NAPA CA - Key Persons
As a third generation photographer, Janna Waldinger, was formally trained by her father from an early age to see the world through a photographer's eye. She recognizes the light, shadows, depth, and textures of the world around her. She instinctively observes each person's style and strengths and brings that through the lens of the camera providing images that reflect who they are. "It's not about a 4×5 or 8×10 print," says Janna. "Our work is to convey an experience with emotional impact."
In Israel, Janna was the documentary videographer for Jalaja Bonheim's Institute For Circlework, training individuals and communities essential keys to peace in the Middle East and worldwide. Working as the lead photographer for Lisa Nichols' Motivating the Masses workshops, Janna also created professional portraits for emerging global leaders.
Janna is a devoted mother. Her dedication to children has extended to her service for the last 19 years as an elected official as Trustee on the Napa County Board of Education. She is currently serves as President of the Board. Janna is a contributing author to Lisa Nichols' best selling book Unbreakable Spirit, Rising Above The Impossible, a writer and photographer for Napa Valley Life Magazine, a poet and a speaker. As an accomplished mixed-media artist in fiber, glass, steel, and photographic elements, her work hangs in private collections and has has been exhibiting her work nationally and internationally since 1976.
Janna Waldinger and Lowell Downey, owners of Art & Clarity, have partnered for three decades. Waldinger and Downey deliver the highest standards in technical excellence that is infused with dramatic light and emotional impact. "We bring the spirit of opening night to all of our work," says Waldinger. "We give our clients images that reflect more than they can see. We are dedicated to creating images for our clients to show up and shine in their best light."
"The world is changing and business is changing," said Lowell Downey of Napa's Art & Clarity. "Is your social marketing message successful? Are you growing your client base and is your business marketing meeting your expectations? It is our business to be in the know and to deliver our client's message successfully so that they can stay in touch with their customers creatively." This forward thinking approach to artistic projects helps Art & Clarity provide their clients in the Napa Valley and beyond with creative materials that drive business forward. "Clients come to us to take their communication to a new level," said Janna Waldinger, " by blending images and music with a clear message."
"We listen to you and manifest your personal vision," Janna explains. We make our deadlines. We satisfy our customers and make rapid changes according to our clients' needs. Our documentary work in photography and video includes book and magazine covers and published portraits of some of the most famous people in the world".
For over forty years, Lowell Downey has worked in the theater and film, as a writer and editor, and as professional photographer, videographer/director. With a Masters of Fine Arts from New York University he opens a vast creative door for his clients to realize their vision. He tells stories of the cultures of the world and the environment through the photographic arts and the poetics of his writing. The recipient of two museum commissions, two book commissions by AltaMed and several awards, his work hangs in private collections and has appeared in numerous publications and exhibitions. Downey's assignments have taken him to the Czech Republic, India, Chile, Italy, Nicaragua, Dubai, Bolivia and lands in between.
On the conclusion of his second book for AltaMed, In Their Own Words II, Latino Contributions to the World of Fine Cuisine, the publisher wrote that "Downey's joyful images evoke warm memories of nurturing meals, delicious aromas, a deep generosity of spirit and a dedication to a healthful cuisine. The poetics of his photographs invite the reader in his subject's passion for life and reflects his affection for the people he photographs." He attributes his deep appreciation of family and nature to his roots in the panhandle of Texas that fostered his commitment to social and environmental justice.