Mark H Cohen

Working intuitively, I explore the line between the familiar and the abstract, the real and the surreal. Most pieces are developed over weeks or months, although many never reach the emotional critical mass I strive for. My process involves meticulously re-imagining my original photographs, usually through hundreds of manual manipulations using many tools and techniques. I try to make artwork that is visually striking, and diverse in their impact; appearing at times dramatic and arresting, and at others, quiet and serene.

I mostly grew up in New Jersey, and 7 states later and 50 years later, now live in Portland, Oregon. My passion for photography began at age nine, and eventually led to studies in the Rochester Institute of Technology Professional Photography program, and a Philadelphia University of the Arts drawing program. An ADHD diagnosis in my mid fifties explained many things, including why I was incapable of completing either program, despite desperately wanting to.

After years in commercial and volunteer photo work, followed by an IT career, I am now a full time artist. I’m also a father, husband, tech guy, reader, writer, researcher, overthinker, doggie granddaddy, hiker, activist, fixer, septuagenarian, song ruiner...

None of the current work has been publicly exhibited. There have been 2 solo shows, and 2 group shows of black and white works in the past.