I have three artist statements. One is a general statement that talks about how I got into photography. The other two statements talks about two of my series, Polaroid 600 and Abandoned & Forgotten

Artist Statement

Photography is my medium. I took my first photography course while enrolled in the Commercial Art Program at Vincennes University. I became interested, but only mildly. It was not until I enrolled at Ball State University and required to take Photography I that I truly fell in love with the medium. I was introduced to new techniques and processes while building upon what I had already learned.

Photography can be several things at once, sometimes easy and other times hard. Sometimes it is labor intensive and other times not. In the same day’s shooting it can be predictable and unpredictable in results. That is one of the reasons I love the medium. Every time I push the button to release the shutter the image changes. I am constantly experimenting with film, technique, processes and settings with both camera and computer.

Early on I used film, developing and printing it in the darkroom. Today I have migrated to digital photography, but my interest has not changed. I still love to experiment, using the computer more. I focus on people, places and things that draw me to them. I want the viewer to feel my emotions for my subjects and to see them as I do.

Abandoned & Forgotten

In this series I have photographed objects that people do not notice, or give a second thought to. These objects have been left to rot, decay, and rust. They have been Abandoned and Forgotten.

The Abandoned & Forgotten series came about when I started taking an interest in the old, run down buildings in the area. What I find interesting is the new shapes and textures the buildings take on after they have fallen and started to decay. I then started to notice and photograph other objects that had been abandoned as well. I wanted to capture the stark beauty of their desolation. I felt the images would be more powerful in black and white with a sepia tone. Then, the viewer can see the shapes and textures without the distraction of color. I want them to absorb the effects of age and the poignancy of aging.

Polaroid 600

This series of images reflects my love of experimenting. I have created a unique representation of the subject matter in a more abstract, surreal manner. To accomplish this I used Polaroids, a flatbed scanner and a computer. Nature, landscape and still life are my subject matter.