Artist Statement
I create photographs of what my mind sees and feels rather than of specific subject matter or photographic genres. I pay close attention to leading and converging lines, geometric shapes, patterns, and positive and negative space. I produce predominantly black-and-white photographs that are not about place or time. Most of my artistic photographs evoke a strong emotion or thought. These images are not literal representations of reality.
My photographic vision is personal and has not been consciously imitated. That said, I have spoken with, attended workshops by, and read articles and books written by John Wimberly, Marc Koegel, Olivier Du Tré, Cole Thompson, Doug Chinnery, George de Wolfe, Freeman Patterson, André Gallant, Sam Abell, Frank Lavelle, Tony Bridge, Mark Fitzgerald, and many other fine photographers. These artists have each made their own impact on me and taught me that each of us has a unique vision, and that all of us are creative in our own way.
I want a subject to attract me with a magnetic force that evokes a known emotion or thought, or some unrecognizable subconscious feeling or memory. I approach photographing in a contemplative state of mind rather than looking for specific scenes or subjects. I embrace what is presented to me.
My website is an ongoing expression of my photography and what I love about this art form. I've organized it into three general collections of galleries. The "My View" portfolio contains galleries that reveal my photographic vision and soul. As you can see in "Winter Solitude," I love minimalist compositions where I feel the isolation within them. "Take Me There" contains galleries of photographs from my worldwide travels, and these galleries are more representational and documentary. The "How Bout This?" portfolio contains new work, compositions that spoke to me, evolving thoughts and themes, and less organized groups of photographs.
I now use a mirrorless camera with an electronic viewfinder set to display in black and white so I can easily adjust the camera controls to make the image I see in my mind’s eye. This technique enables me to creatively compose the picture before the shutter is released.
I love to utilize alternative techniques such as long exposure, selective focus, intentional camera movement, photographing through rainy or dirty windows, and in-camera multiple exposures to make the image become a dream, memory, or an abstract painting.