ARTIST'S STATEMENT

PhotoArt: This word describes my work. It flirts between photograph and painting. The photographic format, composition, specialty papers, and heavy-weight canvas further blur the lines between shutter and brushstroke.

Welcome to my PhotoArt. It shows what I feel; what’s true and what’s fantasy…all in one image. It relies on my senses for content and context. It freezes today for the future. In each piece, there’s a surprise—a twist—between what’s consciously composed and subconsciously represented. Metaphors abound. The titles hint, hit, or humour.

Physical and emotional feelings dominate my creative pallet. Imagination adds limitless dimension. I work in a “team” of two artists: Humble Human Being (that’s me) and Divine Nature. Together, we become intimate through sight, site, and soul. I’m both objectively and subjectively part of the scene: Thoughts, feelings, responses, and interpretations seem simultaneous. The vision that’s composed is greater than the visual technically shot. Sometimes, this vision comes to my mind instantaneously, like a knee jerk. Sometimes, it’s years in process. For both, my desire to pursue is an out-of-my-body-and-into-the-camera-
body experience without a defining boundary; and, yet, with my feet on the ground.

There’s often a surprise in my images, just as my life experiences have often been surprising. This surprise comes in many forms. It’s a suggestive element, such as the title, metaphor; hidden chuckle or overt belly laugh. It’s the composition itself; or one small visual element suddenly appearing seemingly out of nowhere. The smallest contributions in life can be the largest: The drop of water glistening on an apple; the tiny flower donated to one’s higher power through the prayer triangle. Each discovery is a true treasure found. I’m both excited and thankful. My emotions pop like corn with the discovery. Happiness, surprise, joy, and awe abound. I happened to be at this moment in time. I’m handing it to you, so we can share this unique piece of life. We’ll say, “Ahhhhh” for a delicate, Mother-Nature moment. Or, “Hahahahaha”, when tickled bywhimsy and humour carved from realism. There is constant interplay between this reality and concreteness; and what’s metaphor or perception. So, gelato becomes paint; meringue cookies become breasts; the nun’s curved shape communes with the ancient archway. These are relationships I sense and compose without pause….because the moment doesn’t wait. Life doesn’t wait.

The play between photo and art is ongoing. Where does one begin and the other end? Or, were they superimposed from the start? When did the wrought iron curve on the lamppost become a g-clef? When did the dress fabric from the 1940’s become an extension of the medieval city walls? The ceramic plates become a mouse’s head?

The answer? I don’t know. It’s a strong physical feeling.

I do know that my imagination, senses, and creative interpretation weave a relationship with a daily life moment. I do know this moment is in nature, cultures, and places; and with people and things. I do know light, colors, textures, and timing are the strongest elements. All come together in the finale. My chance to share this one-in-a-lifetime experience with you. For all become one. Just like my camera and me, since age six.