by MARK ST.J. COUHIG
Sequim Gazette
This week, take a good look at Phil Tauran’s photography.
Tauran, who describes himself as “a French photographer in Sequim,” has made that very easy. Through Dec. 31 his work will be hanging in Damiana’s Best Cellars at 141 W. Washington St., Sequim. Next door at the Sunshine Cafe he has another three images. If you find yourself on the west side of Sequim, drop by the Starbucks to see three more.
Or wait until Jan. 2, when Tauran will have a more comprehensive exhibit of his work at The Buzz, 128 N. Sequim Ave. Tauran will be at The Buzz to meet, greet and discuss his work from 5-8 p.m. Jan. 6 as part of the First Friday Art Walk.
At an early age
Tauran, who grew up in the south of France, said he was first introduced to art by his parents, who provided him with the opportunity to visit a number of exhibits in Paris. After developing an admiration for Impressionist art, he began painting in the 1970s.
Tauran went on to study painting and graphic arts in Bordeaux, France, earning a degree in applied arts.
In the mid-1980s, Tauran discovered his father’s old forgotten Nikon, “and the journey began,” he said. “Landscapes, street scenes, hours spent in the dark watching images appear .”
When digital technology appeared on the scene, Tauran enthusiastically signed on.
Galleries throughout France soon heard the word about Tauran and numerous exhibitions followed.
Coming to America
In 2005, Tauran met Washington native Cally Elofson; the two wed in 2006. Five months ago the couple moved to Sequim, where Elofson’s parents make their home.
Since then, Tauran has been practicing his art and conducting his business in Sequim. He said the town, and the peninsula, are a good fit.
“I find inspiration in the mountains and in the strait,” Tauran said. “The light is very important here. I don’t have favorite subjects,” he added, but then ticked off three: “old cars, mountains … or a face.”
In addition to his fine art, Tauran provides portraiture, landscape and real estate photography. He also provides wedding and other special event photography.
Tauran’s studio is on West Sequim Bay Road (360-809-0043).
To learn more about Tauran, and to see more of his work, go to www.philtauranphotography.com.
Reach Mark Couhig at mcouhig@sequimgazette.com.
