Photography
for me is a form of communication relative to the experiences that I have. A photograph conveys so much more than words
possibly can. Photography is a visceral
medium with so much more power than any other artistic expression! This Art form made an impression on me in the
beginning of my affair with it because of the requirement to use chemicals,
time, and technique to slowly coax the image from the cellulose frames. My initial experience and training with
photography was before the days of digital imagery. The photographic processing experience was
and still is akin to sorcery in my opinion.
You can give several technicians or artisans the exact same negative in
the same darkroom, same chemicals, equipment etc. and you will invariably achieve
different results when the paper dries and is brought out into the light for
viewing. I long for the times that I am
able to have this experience from time to time.
My subject matter is
varied based on my mood and opportunity.
I believe that most photographers are opportunists at heart because even
if we take the time to plan and stage a circumstance there will be some element
that causes the capture to be an opportunity.
Maybe it’s the lighting that has changed ever so slightly or the focus
that is in a different place. There will
be some element that is completely out of the control of the artist and becomes
an element of opportunity. This being
said : one of my favorite elements is nature !
I enjoy capturing flowers and other organic nature with blemishes and
unique character intact. If a flower
petal has a bug on it or chew holes or stains left behind by an insect, it is
high on my interest radar. I also enjoy
capturing photos of humans caught in the human experience. The human experience is relative and very
personal to me as an artist. A portrait
that can be simple to someone else might have a significant meaning to me. It might speak of aging or an activity or
accomplishment in the human subjects’ life that will be remembered forever when
the captured image is reviewed. I feel
an honor and a privilege to be able to be present when the moment happens and
to have the permission to capture the moment for posterity. I also enjoy capturing the human form as a
fine art subject. Coming from an extremely
racist and homophobic Southern state in the United States, it is interesting
and revealing to me to capture subjects that peel back the layers of these
subjects in a manner that is likely taboo to most observers. I explore these subjects in a forensic manner
the way a medical examiner looks for clues in a case! The presented image is intended to incite
engagement, debate, discussion and even introspection sometimes from the
viewer. Emotions are elicited and often
result in strong feelings about an image.
You’re welcome!
Educational
In the course of the photography
process I enjoy the privilege and the honor of gaining an
education about life, people, the process, and the way that life can be
manipulated. The final photograph that
you are viewing at any given time is so much more than simply being in the
right time and pulling the trigger to acquire what is before you. In the case of objects, plants and the like
there is often many times that the artist passes or examines the object many
days before actually composing the image and capturing it. During which time, change occurs. The change can be in the form of wilt, growth
or being eaten by an herbivore. In the
case of a human subject there is often a court-ship of sorts that occurs. The artist is interested in a particular
subject so contact is made. The subject
decides whether they would be interested in return to go forward with the
artist. The project is discussed as well
as locations, dates and potential times.
Once all of the variables are worked out the “date” is in motion. Once the two parties meet for the first time
there is a chemical and energy exchange to see if the two can coexist and work
together productively. The session and
the resulting images are a product of this chemical and energy connection. When the connection is weak, the images show
it clearly and are usually archived and never shown. When the connection is strong, amazing images
are produced and the artist can usually barely contain themselves to share with
others.
Hopefully this little blurb provides a
bit of insider information as to the reasoning behind the imagery that I capture
and share. Each image is to be viewed on
its own as an individual work of art although I completely understand that some
groups or images are digested as a group and judged as such… Enjoy the visual feast !
Compilations
Building Components to achieve the
final image ! During this invigorating
journey the artist, the subject and even the edit and com positioning process facilitate
an education that would not otherwise be possible. The meaning of life begins to come into
perspective as one engages with subjects both animated and inanimate
alike. The stories begin to meld into a
tapestry with its own life. Take the
time to examine each image and imagine the time of day, the warmth of the sun
or the gentle breeze whirling by. May Peace
embrace you…
