John Kelly

Photographer-Director-Artist.
Photographs are my tattoos. For my "˜Body of Art' portrait subjects their tattoos are illustrated memories of a life's journey. Moments in time that have meaning. Memories of loved ones or places. Statements of meaning or statements of fashion, religious, spiritual, cultural or tribal bonds.

The reconstructed photographic, sculptural, collage style I use evolved from observing people who each time they have had a new tattoo done will proudly show off their latest illustrated body part. We are all the sum of our many parts not only the physical but the emotional. Tattooed people wear their "˜hearts on their sleeves' literally. All tattoos are the result of an emotional response to a moment in their lives. I endeavor to present a subjects persona in a manner that will draw the viewer into the subject by presenting them with alternative abstract viewpoints. The collaged viewpoints come together to form visual illusions.

Photography, Art History.