About Us

Caris Palm Turpen

Sculptor • Photographer • Painter • Chef • Writer

Caris conceived of and then developed LightCatcher as an umbrella for her various creative pursuits.  Being a life-long creative has brought its challenges, especially in terms of finding pathways that could weather youth, impatience, aging, changes in perspective, ideals and the desire to contribute to something bigger than oneself.  Now, she’s using all she’s gathered along these pathways to tell her stories and bring a little light to life.  She’s chosen to focus on figurative sculpture, photography, original painting, digital art, and writing. She was a professional chef for twenty odd years, and is also developing her cooking videos, recipes, and cookbook.
Having weathered and recovered from breast cancer in 2020-22, she is writing a book of her experiences with the hopes of helping fellow patients and their caretakers better understand the journey.

Artist’s Statement:
I did a full mural in crayons on my bedroom wall when I was five.  Completed during nap time, it showed the things I saw and valued and imagined in my everyday life – my neighborhood, friends, pets, parents, a plane high in the sky festooned with streamers (the occupants were having a party), a devil below ground with a palm tree and a little pond (I thought the heat would make him thirsty.)  My mom stood shocked when she came in to get me up, and later would bring in guests to see it.  I would sit quietly to the side watching their expressions.  I saw for the first time that something I had made could elicit emotions, ideas, and conversation, all while showing a little of how I saw the world.  This started me on the path of artist and storyteller.
While Hubster complains that I hide my light under a bushel, I prefer that my work speak for itself. Give me a shout if you want to talk about a piece or ask a question – best to email me …. caris (at) lightcatcher (dot) com.

Bio
2018 – Present
Fort Worth, Texas
Fine Art, Food, & Stock Photography; Figurative Sculpture; Painting; Digital Works; Writing; Chef
2001 – 2018
Fort Worth, Texas
LIGHTCATCHER WINERY – Owner, Winemaker, Chef, Manager
Fine Art & Commercial Photography, Figurative Sculpture, Painting; Digital Works, Writing
1989 – 2001  
Dallas/Fort Worth, National
Freelance – Director of Photography – documentaries, theatrical film, television, commercials, industrials
WISHBONE – Visual Effects Supervisor, 2nd Unit Director/DP – 50 episodes, Showtime theatrical film *EMMY®
BARNEY – Post Production Supervisor – select episodes and projects
Fine Art Photography, Sculpture, Digital Artworks
1980-1989
San Francisco, National
Freelance – Photographer, NABET & IATSE
Freelance – 1st Camera Assistant, NABET & IATSE – 60 MINUTES, commercials, theatrical film, television, documentaries, NFL FILMS, music videos
Industrial Light & Magic – Staff Camera Department, 1st Assistant and Operator – visual effects/theatrical film
Freelance – Director of Photography – commercials, industrials, theatrical film
Fine Art Photography, Sculpture
1975 – 1980
Los Angeles
Warren Sound West – Post Production Sound Engineer
Cine Org/SCN – Post Production Sound Engineer
Freelance – Sound Recordist – commercials, theatrical film
Freelance – Still Photographer – production stills, editorial, studio work
Roger Corman Productions – Assistant Sound Editor

Studies / Certifications:
2004-2017 – American Culinary Federation education credits
2011 – Culinary Institute of America, Greystone Campus, Napa
1998-2000 – T.V. Munson School of Viticulture and Enology, Texas
1973-1975 – Hutchins College for Gifted Students, California State University, Sonoma. Major: Writing   Minor: Languages (German, Japanese)
Memberships, past and present:
National Sculpture Society, Associate Member
TAC/Fort Worth Community Arts Center
TSA/Texas Sculpture Association
TAMMP/Texas Assn of Motion Media Professionals
Dames d’Escoffier, Dallas Chapter
Texas Restaurant Association
TWGGA/Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association
Select Credits:
LightCatcher Winery – 14 Grand Champion & Reserve Grand Championships in Houston Int’l Wine Competition; 100+ medals various competitions, TX Best Single Vineyard Designated Wine, TX Best Red Wine, BEST TEXAS WINE/Lead Steer Award; All wine label art, all editorial and commercial photography, all design, marketing and merchandising.

Wishbone – TV Series – Visual Effects Supervisor/2nd Unit Dir/Dp *EMMY®
Barney – TV Series – Post Production Supervisor, select episodes, specials
It Happened to Me  – Educational – Director of Photography, *Cine Golden Eagle, BSA projects, external turnkey for government agencies.
Music Videos – Camera Operator – Willie Nelson, Tom Waites, AC/DC, Carlos Santana, various concerts and events 
The Devil’s Gift – Theatrical Feature – Director of Photography
Howard the Duck – Theatrical Feature – ILM Camera
Witches of Eastwick – Theatrical Feature – ILM Camera
Star Trek IV – Theatrical Feature – ILM Camera
60 Minutes – TV Series – Camera Assistant, personality profiles (Jack Lemmon, George Burns, Hanna-Barbera), investigative journalism segments with Diane Sawyer, Morley Safer, Ed Burns
NFL Films – Camera Assistant – semi-finals and finals, various TV projects

Along the way I have been or am a voracious reader, alpine skier, equestrienne, fashion model, motorcyclist, driving enthusiast, shooting enthusiast, and animal lover, especially of cats and horses.

Terry Turpen

LightCatcher Host • Tiki Enthusiast • Terry’s Tirades

      Terry likes people and loves good conversation.  He is a natural teacher.  As an advanced amateur military historian, lover of tiki culture and cocktails, and Pontiac Solstice owner/driver, he loves to hold forth on many aspects of such.  He will welcome you with a special drink and entertain with stories and lively conversation.