Are these paintings or photography?
This is a very common question. Many appear to be paintings, however actually, they are all photos, taken by me since I started this journey in 2010.
Why do you do this?
After exploring many different genres of photography I found myself longing to create something beyond the photographic image that was before me...
To create work that would tell a story and take the viewer on a journey or a deeper experience.
The visions of what I want to create are usually very unreal and can not be captured with my camera. Once I discovered how to create composite photography in 2017, I began being able to create the visons in my head and provide the viewer with an experience beyond traditional photography.
How do you do this?
Starting with my original images I incorporate a detailed process, using many layers (averaging 30 but sometimes up to 75 or more!) of dismantling, enhancing and combining. This process usually takes days, weeks and sometimes months to finish.
How long have you been doing this?
In the fall of 2009 I started my photographic journey when I was invited to enter a photography contest with a point & shoot photo I took of Mt. Rainier Reflection Lake. Competing against photographers with "real" cameras I was completely surprised when I won first place!
In 2011 I moved from Northern Virginia to Florida and began exploring different types of photography... however I was constantly wanting more than what I felt traditional photography was offering me... and was inexplicably drawn to editing. In 2017 I discovered how to create composites (I did not even know what to call it!) and found my "home"! In 2018 I won my first competition award in the creative category using composite photography! My fire was lit!
Primarily self-taught, I am always learning and experimenting... never knowing what the next story will be!
Do you create custom pieces or personalize your pieces?
Where else can your work be found?
My pieces have been sold and displayed in various VA and FL art galleries, museums & exhibits; held in private collections in the US and abroad; and have been used commercially.
Currently, select pieces can be found at the brick and mortar galleries, Artisans Art Galley in Mt. Dora Florida & the All About Art Gallery in Belleview Florida.
Do you teach others how to do this? Or offer presentations?