The Boulevard of Broken Dreams - Limited Edition 1 of 25 Artwork

PHOTO EMULSION ETCHINGS is a new medium that I have created while working with photography. The process involves separation of the color layers in photo emulsion and manipulating them with various tools into abstract art. The photograph is the canvas and the colors in the emulsion the paint. Sometimes the colors are removed or added and the images are obliterated or altered. In a way, much like life itself, a being dies in order to give life to another. Most of the time, the only purpose of one’s existence is to produce an offspring who will continue the species, however nonsensical that is. In this newly discovered and exciting medium, which I have named “Photo Emulsion Etchings,” the old photographic images and their inherent properties have given birth to completely new images with many different qualities. The essence is basically same as the old, yet unrecognizable in its new reincarnation. Ever since a Pentax camera cast a powerful spell on me at the age of 17, photography/art has been both a passion and a curse. Like many other dreamers, or some say fools, only the undying belief in my work and the love of art have sustained me through the darkest days. Susanne K. Langer defined art as “the creation of perceptible forms expressive of human feeling.” This definition, although very incisive and succinct, somewhat oversimplifies what art is. People have endless discussions about what art is and about “good art” vs. “bad art.” I am no authority on art and I will not presume to define what good art is. However, as far as my art, I believe that I can. I know which pieces represent the truth of my life, my experiences, my feelings, and my perspectives. I can measure each piece to the depth of my emotions, however raw they may be, and to how I wanted to express them. If they measure up to the truth, as I know it, I would have succeeded. Life is a mysterious and formidable force that spans the entire spectrum of experiences and feelings. The beauty of life is wondrous and rewarding, but then, the pain and suffering in life, are just as intense and endless. Many succumb to them when they get to be too overwhelming. This life of mine has seemed to be a long dream -- a series of thoughts, images, and emotions occurring in a dreamlike state of mind, flowing by, moment to moment. Ultimately, the glory of human existence is to have experienced life to the fullest and to have persevered; that, in essence, is our triumph and salvation. To see the beauty … To dream … What more is there? Therefore, life goes on. And the dream continues ...