By Pamela Dozois
Contributing Writer
Local author and photographer Robbie Kaye will hold a talk and book signing for her new book, “Endurance,” from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 24, at the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature.
Kaye creates also tells stories from her life through photography, painting and music.
She studied music at Berklee College of Music in Boston and photography at USC. She’s written songs for Warner Bros. and Disney and has exhibited her photographs and paintings internationally.
“Just as music can take you on a journey, make you laugh and cry and touch the deepest part of your soul, so can a photograph,” she said.
Originally from New York, she now resides in the Santa Ynez Valley, where she continues to document her environment. She is also the producer of “Ladies of the Valley,” an online forum and documentary in the making that highlights local women and their inspirations.
Kaye is also the author of “Beauty and Wisdom,” her first monograph depicting strength and determination of older women in an overlooked generation in American culture.
“Endurance,” Kaye’s second monograph, presents photographs of three trees taken over a course of three years. Combined with prose, this book tells the stories of Solitude, Magic and Majesty, the names she has attributed to these trees.
The foreword is written by Deborah Lee Davis, an author, artist, healer and longtime local resident.
“These trees have endured fire, floods and drought and remain strong in stature, not unlike the human experience,” Kaye said. “Every time I took a photograph of these trees, it allowed me to study them, to focus in closer, and my connection grew deeper. I would like to live as the trees do … in confidence, faith and fearlessness.”
A portion of the proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to Nature Track, a local organization that inspires students to be respectful stewards of the natural world.
The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is at 1511-B Mission Drive in Solvang. The talk and presentation will start at 3 p.m. with a Q&A period to follow. Museum admission is $5 for members and $10 for others.
For more information, email robbie@robbiekaye.com, visit her website at www.robbiekaye.com or follow her on Instagram @robbiekaye or @ladiesoftheva
