News Summary
Gary Heatherly, a notable photographer in Knoxville, has launched a new series to celebrate local artistry. His work emphasizes spirituality and nature, encouraging community engagement in the arts. With a rich background in photography, Heatherly’s latest exhibitions invite conversations about cultural heritage and artistic expression in Knoxville.
Knoxville – Gary Heatherly, an esteemed photographer and artist based in Knoxville, has embarked on a remarkable journey to highlight local artistry through a new series dedicated to his fellow creators. This initiative aims to showcase the multifaceted cultural landscape of Knoxville, a city renowned for its artistic spirit and rich cultural heritage.
Gary Heatherly’s appreciation for Knoxville stems from its natural beauty and its dynamic university atmosphere, which played a significant role in shaping his artistic career. With an engaging personality and a genuine disposition, he is regarded as a supportive friend within the local artistic community.
Rooted in a philosophy of Pantheism, Heatherly’s work profoundly reflects his perception of the universe and nature as embodiments of the divine. This belief is a recurring theme in his photography, as he often draws inspiration from the world around him, influenced by both his family and the environment he grew up in.
Early Life and Career
Heatherly’s artistic journey began in his childhood, fueled by his mother’s storytelling and the creative influences of his extended family. Born in LaFollette, Tennessee, he later moved to Syracuse, New York, and then to Milwaukee due to his father’s job. At the age of five, he returned to Tennessee, where he spent time in Oak Ridge and Karns on a 10-acre plot, further immersing himself in nature.
After completing his education at the University of Tennessee, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting & Drawing alongside a minor in Art History in 1974, Heatherly began to establish his career. His professional experience includes significant roles with Outside magazine, the City of Knoxville, and Whittle Communications, where his innovative spirit shone through.
Significant Achievements
Over his expansive career, Heatherly has traveled to various locations for photography, capturing iconic castles in Scotland, England, France, and Wales, as well as Caribbean resorts. He notably showcased the 3M Scanamural at the 1982 World’s Fair and created murals for the Miss Universe Pageant in the Philippines.
In 1991, he published “Knoxville Then and Now,” a book that garnered recognition as a National Book of the Year. His other renowned photography books include “Knoxville Impressions” (1981), “Knoxville: Gateway to the South” (1995), and “Knoxville: Green by Nature” (2013). His craft evolved further when he began experimenting with drone photography in 1995, allowing him to capture unprecedented aerial perspectives.
Recent Focus and Exhibitions
Retiring from commercial photography in 2018, Heatherly has shifted his focus entirely to photography as a form of fine art. His current work explores themes of spirituality, connection, and the energy that lies within nature. These themes manifest in his unique “Dreamscapes” series, where he employs in-camera double exposures and digital art techniques to create imagery that blends photography with painterly aesthetics.
Heatherly’s digital paintings are currently displayed at the Lilienthal Gallery in an exhibition titled “Deconstructing Landscapes,” which will continue until September 2025. This exhibition features a diverse group of artists whose works stimulate conversations about nature, spirituality, and the artistic reinterpretation of the natural environment.
Conclusion
Gary Heatherly’s artistic journey is as inspiring as it is prolific, reflecting both his deep ties to Knoxville and his commitment to celebrating local artistry. As he continues to explore the intersection of art and nature, he remains a prominent figure in Knoxville’s cultural scene, encouraging others to embrace and showcase their creative talents.
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: Through the Lens with Photographer Gary Heatherly
- Wikipedia: Gary Heatherly
- Inside of Knoxville: Eric Sublett’s Life and Art Explored
- Google Search: Gary Heatherly photography
- Mutual Art: Deconstructing Landscapes at Lilienthal Gallery
- Google Scholar: Gary Heatherly
- Inside of Knoxville: Deconstructing Landscapes Debuts at Lilienthal Gallery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Photography
- Knox News: Gary Heatherly
- Google News: Knoxville art
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
