Artist Statement
I have always been able to use my imagination to recreate the world around me. The goal of my art is to challenge my viewers to use their childlike imagination to transform the image that is before them. I have always been interested in abstract art. I have combined the ideas of abstract expressionism with photography. Abstract painters pour and drip paint, drag brushes on canvas and draw shapes with an exaggerated presence. I am trying to give these abstract expressionistic ideas and styles a new modern makeover with the use of photography. Just like traditional photographers would capture parts of the world that they have found interesting, I have captured parts of my canvas that I have found interesting. I use the camera as a tool much like a painter uses a paintbrush to capture the painting in it truest form. As Artists, we are drawn to view photography and painting as somewhat similar: those pictures which we have painted, drawn or photographed reflect our sense of reality. Being able to capture these decisive moments can create something new entirely, something that might have been overlooked. The photograph will last much longer than the original, and also allows the photographer the ability to enhance the images. Giving control over every aspect of the painting; Brightness, contrast, and colors are easy changed. I value my original paintings as much as I value my photographs. I find having a archival digital image proves to be the most valuable. Being Able to reproduce a work in high resolution and size is very convenient and greatly increases production for the artist. You might not live long but your work can live long past your life.
This process is very important to my art. I am always adding steps and repeating old ones, while taking time to photograph my progress. It is unlikely that people can view my work without being influenced by their own life experiences. The way objects; places, symbols, colors and time are interpreted by the individual viewer. My work lets the viewer complete the image by letting them see what they want to see in great detail. The rhythm of colors and shapes have a hypnotizing effect, drawing the viewer in. The motivation behind my work is a meditative. I want people to be able to look at my art and forget about all their troubles. I feel my photographs can create a emotional response, such as joy, pleasure, and maybe some confusion on what you are looking at. Painters create three dimensional space using paint to build the image. Photographing them can take this back to a two dimensional plane with the illusion of dimensionality created with the use of light. You feel as if you are looking at a 3 dimensional painting but in reality it is only a photograph.
Some new directions I would like to take my work would be to photograph other artist works and help them by promoting and helping them think of new ways of displaying their paintings/drawings. It might be easy to push a button on a camera and take a picture. But it takes a true artist to produce a work of art and I dont feel it matters what tools you use to create it. Abstract Photography is here and it is here to stay.
