"The Perfect Team - Dale and Becky Carlson"

We had a chance to catch up with Dale and Becky of Bluemoonistic Images to talk about photography, poetry, and what it's like to live here in Ashe County, North Carolina.

Dale has had a passion for photography his entire life and Becky tells us she has been writing poems since she was able to hold a pencil. Dale has a PhD in Agronomy, the science of soil management and crop production, and has worked in the agricultural field most of his adult life. Becky holds a BS in English and is a retired schoolteacher. They have one son, Eric, who is a Commander in the U.S. Navy.

Hidden Away in the Blue Ridge

Originally, from Missouri, they have lived in North Carolina for almost 30 years. In 2006, after visiting in the area and falling in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains, they bought two acres of land in Ashe County. By May of 2007, they moved into the home they had built on their land and experienced two full moons during the month. Appropriately enough, their homestead became "Blue Moon Ridge."

Upon choosing a name for their business, they wanted to include blue moon. Bluemoonistic was born using the name of their home place and even took on its own definition in the Urban Dictionary.  To date, the definition cited well describes their art and experience, “a rare, unique, extraordinary image, event or happening, a once in a blue moon thing.”

With the Blue Ridge Mountains as their muse, Dale and Becky have combined their passions for photography and poetry by marrying the images to words.  As Dale says, “Life is colorful, and my images reflect that vibrancy and energy.”  Becky’s motto, “Poetry for the free spirit,” easily collaborates with Dale’s images.  His ability to capture the essence of his surroundings through digital technology has lead Becky to join the images with words and blend picture and experience to share with others.

Collaboratively, their first book, The Perfect Escape through Images, is a testament to their sharing.  This beautifully orchestrated work joins Dale's images that are vivid and sometime surreal with Becky's recollections and interpretations in poetic form.  Between the two of them, their work conveys, "being there and feeling it".

Their second book, Life at 45 Miles Per Hour, is currently in the works and will be a pictorial with poetry on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Both artists are eager to continue work on all things "Bluemoonistic" and share their visual and emotional responses to Ashe County and the surrounding mountains.

Dale and Becky are often seen about the town of West Jefferson, mingling during a festival or active in the Gallery Crawls held the second Friday of each month during the summer in West Jefferson's arts district.  They are actively involved in charities and community events and participate in supporting and promoting the town and local area.  Their commitment to the community is often contagious

The Perfect Escape through Images can be purchased at Ashe County Arts Center, Quilt Square Girls - Barn Quilts and More (where the couple also showcase their works), and Carolina Country Wines.  You can also see and purchase Dale's photography at Catchlight Gallery on Jefferson Avenue in downtown West Jefferson.  The gallery, one of only two strictly photographic galleries in the State, provides a broad overview of his work.  

Be sure to stay up to date on all the Carlson's latest endeavors by visiting their website at www.bluemoonistic.com