As part of a new format, Artistically Inclined will feature local artists in a tribute to their talents.
This week offers a glimpse into the life of professional photographer and lifelong arts' supporter, Hugo Redivo, who will speak in Kelowna at the 7pm opening of Remarkable Redivo: A Photographic Retrospective.
Redivo has been a significant participant in the development of various arts organizations in Penticton.
Writing this article gave me license to ask him for an interview. After setting up our meeting time, he said I could arrive a little earlier or later - some time around the agreed upon time.
Arriving at his home/studio, I was warmly welcomed into a stylish room lined with framed photographs.
After viewing the studio, he invited me into the living room - its wall lined with books, a rack of classical CDs, a few paintings, a warm room not too perfected, comfortable and sophisticated. An abundance of nature waved from outside the living room window that stretched the entire length and height of the room.
Redivo was a delight to talk to - culture and class and a gentleness that a lifetime of not chasing rainbows can afford. There is something very soothing about being in the presence of someone who has done exactly what they wanted with their life.
Redivo attributes his cultural background to his time in the Italian army. As a serviceman, he was given free admission to museums and galleries. Viewing the great works of art broadened his outlook and made him a lifelong arts appreciator.
"The broader your outlook the richer your life," says Redivo while explaining how art becomes a part of your personal experience and forms your unconscious.
Having come to Penticton in 1949 with wife Dorothy, Redivo sold his first photographs in Vancouver in 1951. His interest in photography was inspired by a friend and he was "bitten by the Photo bug."
He recognized the art of photography and the creative possibilities. After becoming familiar with technique, he reaffirmed his understanding of photographic methods by taking a correspondence course from the New York Institute of Photography.
Keys to his success? says Redivo: "I always bought the best equipment and I was never disappointed. I specialized in doing what I liked best, portrait photography, with a small amount of commercial and editorial work."
Redivo's photographs have been published in magazines such as Beautiful BC and Time.
Recognized by reputation and recommendation, his photography became the inspiration for a photo book on the Okanagan. The full-colour hardcover book contains 80 of Redivo's local photographs taken between 1960 and 1979.
Redivo's philosophy "If you like it, you can photograph it" is illustrated in playful glimpses into nature and people in nature. The book was a huge success, but Redivo's Number one passion behind the camera is to reveal individual beauty through portrait photography.
His secret - which he readily shared: "I do some things to make people relax. For example when we made this appointment I told you that you can come early or late, this helps you to be more relaxed. You can feel more comfortable about the appointment if you are not worrying about being on time. Portrait photography is about how you feel not how you look. It is important that you can relax to have your photo taken. It is 80 per cent psychology and 20 per cent photography - good photography," he adds.
Redivo has never considered photography to be "work" and stated that it isn't something you need to retire from. Though he has not retired, Redivo has phased out some aspects of his career as a professional photographer in that he does not actively seek out work. His view on the digital wave: "One has to keep up with the technologies. Digital will replace analogue, but black and white remains in the hands of the individual photographer."
Over the years, Redivo has taught at Okanagan University College, the Summer School of the Arts and at his home studio. He has been president of both the Arts Council and the Summer School of the Arts. He was also president of the Professional Photographers of BC for two years and headed up the Professional Photographers of Canada for two years during which time he was instrumental in convincing the Quebec Photographers to join the association.
His portfolio contains over 8,000 photographs, which are neatly organized and filed away. He is currently writing his memoirs and has the first 40 years completed with 42 and counting remaining.
The world is a better place knowing people like Hugo Redivo are in it.
Remarkable Redivo: A Photographic Retrospective will be at Melvyn's Living Room, 274A Bernard Ave., Kelowna, through Christmas.
Urmi Sheldon is the arts coordinator for the Penticton and District Community Arts Council.
Reprinted from an article appearing in the Penticton Western, November 3, 2001.