In Memoriam: The Wonderful Photography of Ann Hilborn (1953-2020)
Creative, free-spirited, lover of nature, and one-of-a-kind…that was Ann, photographic partner, best friend and soulmate.
Ann was given her first camera at an age when she used it to record what for her were events not to be forgotten—family outings, time enjoyed at camp, vacation trips and adventures with friends. However, as time passed and other pursuits took priority, her camera began to gather dust. It was not until Ann was nearing retirement that she developed a renewed interest in photography, enrolling in an introductory course at the Haliburton School of the Arts. That was at a time which coincided with photography’s transition from film to digital, the latter providing Ann with a new medium and additional opportunities to be imaginative.
Not one satisfied to sit on the sidelines, Ann joined the Oshawa Camera Club. Possessing an artistic talent, an eye for colour and composition, and an unceasing desire to learn, she rapidly developed from a casual photographer into an extremely skilled one. She became known to many as the ‘Flower Lady’ because of the subject matter, unique vision and fine detail in the photos that she created. Imitation being high praise, other club members began to copy her approach and style. Ann went on to win many awards in club competitions, juried shows, those that attracted hundreds of entries and even in several international ones.
Ann learned how to make good use of innovative, computer-based technology as the variety of subject matter in her photos broadly expanded, from nature to abstract, architecture to portraits. She was co-founder of Durham Region’s Pine Ridge Arts Council’s annual photo competition and exhibited her own work in the SPARK exhibits of 2016 (Nature’s Gems), 2017 (The Marvelous Meadow), 2018 (Faces From the Crowd), and 2019 (It’s All In the Eye of the Beholder). Multi-talented, Ann even penned a poem for the 2017 exhibit.
For Ann, a much-loved elementary school teacher of French and visual arts, photography provided an outlet for her creativity. It also helped to satisfy, at least in part, her thirst for impromptu challenges and unfamiliar ventures. Just as importantly, it presented her with a welcomed chance to develop meaningful, new friendships that she valued.
I, along with so many others, miss Ann deeply. Her photography indeed is a treasured legacy that she has left us.
Peter Clute
705 876.1414
www.canterburygardens.ca
pclute45@gmail.com
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