Companions - Limited Edition #10 of 50 Artwork

My photographic journey began in 1979. I was blissfully hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest photographic image makers at the time. During that time, it was mechanical cameras, film and chemically created work. By the time 2005 rolled in I was fully immersed in digital imaging. I could see that there was way more to accomplish with this new technological marvel. After years of fine art photographic scenic work, gallery ownership and commercial photographic pursuits I was beginning to feel a little trapped within the rigid nature of accepted fine art landscape photography. I felt “stuck” as a photographer. I was on a search for a sense of freedom in my work. I desired to push beyond the mediums limits of capture and print. I wanted to explore abstract, surreal and impressionist themes not readily associated with photography. Digital imaging tools became my fusion and the energy of such pushed at me constantly. I had an intense desire for something more. I was looking for photographic expression that was viscerally emotive. I wanted to know why I felt destined to pursue this. I started writing “Streams of Consciousness" as a result of reading “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. At the time, it was very influential with regard to my inner thinking and the effect it could have on the creative process. Injecting emotion into my images began to influence and alter my pathway. Somewhat victoriously, I felt like I was growing as an artist and realized there was a lot of work to do. Symbology and surrealism began to wash into my work at a slow pace. I was mysteriously discovering that “story” was beginning to share this new pathway with me. I wanted to say more in a very different way. I wanted to sense a freedom to express with color. Color theory was high on my reading list although I found it difficult to adhere to. I kept pushing with new tools and thought processes to hone in on my direction. Expression through line, stroke, space, balance, visual weight, foreground, middle ground, background and object began to find me. I was beginning to acquire a collection of visual tools I should have learned about so many years ago. As a result, a series of “photo impressionism” or “photo expressionism” images have come to life. They are just a beginning and I realize the work going forward will be even more challenging. I see so much more ahead. As always I feel a giddy excitement for the future……