after a long career as an illustrator (frequently working from found images) i blindly entered my sophomore year at the Art Institute as a photography major. here i learned for the first time how to develop and print my own images. and though i have excelled in these processes i continue to struggle greatly in uncovering what it is exactly that i would like to communicate through my work. however, my research has allowed me to draw some conclusions regarding my photographic style and beliefs about the production of the image itself.
the aura of photography exists in its authenticity and originality. the reproduction of a masterpiece when shrunk to accomidate the scale of a uniform page is anything but faithful. a photograph, like a great painting by Turner or Caravaggio, is meant to be experienced in its highest quality.
i contend to support the grand processes of film development and darkroom printing diminished in digitally based, instant gratification society.
a great photograph has the ability to stand alone without explanation, but succeeds entirely with an intuitive artist working at its side. a great photograph makes suggestions, hints at associations, teases emotionally, challenges intellectually and expects the viewer to play a part in making new meanings from it.
a great photograph is a reflection of human experience.
