Inuvik (Feb 14/05) - Gilad Katz sees himself as a minimalist - when it comes to equipment, at least.

The mixed-media artist prefers to take pictures in natural settings - no tripods, only natural light and no umbrellas. Just himself, his subject and the camera is what he prefers.

His technique may be minimal, but the effect is inspiring. Gilad Katz of Tsiigehtchic mounted a photography show at the Inuvik library. The last day of the show is today, Feb. 14. - Chris Hunsley/NNSL photo

Then it's in the dark room or on the computer where his artistry really shines.

"When you do your own dark room it makes you think a bit more artistically," he said.

His work is not solely photography - it's also part painting. The two artforms combine to highlight subtle and unconscious aspects of his work.

The 40-year-old self-taught artist's preferred method is to use a Polaroid emulsion transfer over the top of his photographs. The final result is hard to describe.

"It's a common technique," Katz said of the emulsion transfer.

He layers colour photographs over the top of black and white images before beginning the process.

"That is my little touch."

Originally born in the Haifa region of northern Israel, the Tsiigehtchic resident moved to Canada in 1988.

After five years volunteering with the Frontier Association he settled in Tsiigehtchic, where a few years later his brother also settled after coming to visit.

"I'm just a visitor. I moved here a few years ago and I like just to look out and see not much going on," he said while looking out his window onto the frozen Mackenzie River.

With a canteen operation out of his home and some duties as a medical taxi driver to get by, Katz can focus on his craft.

"I don't try too seriously to sell my stuff," he said.

Instead, he shows it once a year at the Yukon Riverside Arts Festival. He also expects to mount a show when he travels to Israel at the end of the month, but the easy-going Katz said he has yet to make inquiries.

For the time being, residents of Inuvik are the fortunate ones. Katz's show ends today, so hurry out and take a look.