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[.....] The horizon lines in your photos appear to be a series of ever-changing canvases of form, light, and spirit. These environmental portraits speak about light, weather, and the intimate connection you have with the water, even in times of isolation. There is a harmony between darks and lights, between drama and theater, each working together within the frame. You take on the challenge to capture each scene with its own mood as expressed by its presentation of color, light and shadow. There is a sense of isolation in these waterscape scenes. There is also a sense of solitude and silence in these beautiful, contemplative compositions.
Your photos also show the viewer that you are aware of the way the position of the camera and lack of focus can create
new, abstract forms, especially when the frame isolates the subject matter from its surroundings. Your vantage point seems to change from your eye level to a slightly higher vantage point, but it is hard for the viewer to get their bearings. The fluid, organic surfaces, radiance of white sunlight, and the textures in the frame define new visual structures in space.
I think your visual your observations are very thoughtful. From a practical perspective, you look out over the water and sky, study the shapes highlighted by lights and darks, move in and out of light and shadow while looking for what catches your eye. I think this is a good description of what a lot of photographers do. Out of the infinite photographic possibilities that arise around you, these meaningful scenes are most likely to catch YOUR eye – the same scenes that go mostly unnoticed by others. Your thoughtful attention to these mysterious scenes and the way they relate to the viewer of the photos creates images that influence the way other people see these natural, environmental subjects.
On the surface these images have a type of simplicity that concentrates on surface planes and diffused tonality, but I also find them to be conceptually complex! These photos create a sense of mood, atmosphere, and drama. The designs lead the eye up, down, and throughout the frame in a way that makes the viewer feel as though they may have walked by these scenes and not noticed them. To me, the photos are interesting because they blur the line between art photography and painterly composition. The images look like brush strokes of painterly colors, flowing across a white canvas. I find that your statement perfectly aligns with the
images, yet you could say even more! It would be great to hear more of your thoughts, your inspirations.
Your visual observations speak to the relationship between waterscapes and your emotions and are clearly important characters in your stories. I think you are also asking that the viewer be sensitive enough to look deeply at your images, to see the details and the metaphors could be seen in the frame, especially in the context of having to be in isolation during a pandemic. You ask viewers to consider the how the natural scenes relate to the viewer and the beauty of the isolated forms. The viewer tries to find their bearings bringing their own experiences of interpretive scenes.
One of the things that is most interesting about your portfolio is the way that design and composition become primary subjects within the frame. For example, all your photos are very visually dynamic and could be seen purely as abstract designs. Also, the subject matter could be described as organic shapes, lines and textures, light and shadow.
These isolated scenes give the feeling of loneliness and solitude. There is a deep sense of silence in these images. In all the photos there is a kind of ambience that is a kaleidoscope of colors, mysterious, and full of drama. The images also function in a way that communicates your experience to the viewer. Anyone that is willing to set aside their compulsion to have to identify exactly what they are looking at will relate to the feelings and emotions your images communicate. The viewer may be able to find that feeling of being outdoors and detached from the chaos of urban life.
The photos in this series talk about the way we are so closely related to the water, land, and sky and how important they are to us as humans. We are physically and emotionally interdependent as living beings on this earth. In addition, these are beautiful photographic subjects! Each scene, like each person, has its own personality, physical characteristics, and emotional expressiveness. Because of this, I have thought about suggestions for where you could go from here.
I can imagine these photos printed large, to inspire feelings of “awe” by creating a sense of scale for the viewer. Large- scale presentation could prompt the viewer to feel small when confronted by the ideas of standing in front of these interpretive waterscapes. Viewers would feel confronted with unexpected perspectives and that could inspire creative interpretations. And, their emotional impact would be breathtaking.
My next observation/suggestion also has to do with presentation. I suggest that the photos would be effective in a book. I think your ideas, thoughts, and stories, combined with the photos will make a thoughtful presentation that others could relate to. Also with a book, the viewer can hold the images, making the interaction more personal. It would be wonderful if you accompanied the photos with more of your thoughtful writing.
Your images are very dynamic. They are full of observations and questions about life during COVID and natural beauty! Your images prove that being observant and investigating is very exciting and who knows where it will lead. Also, don’t feel like you need to be married to the photography world.
My advice is that you enter juried art exhibitions and/or show your work within art communities. I think that your images would do well in an “art” environment. Your photos really do cross a lot of boundaries, which is highly encouraged in the art world. I suggest you keep an eye on www.callforentry.org for themed calls for artists.
You ask how you can improve as a photographer. I think you are responding to your situation exactly the way an artist would respond, with their art. I suggest you could grow as an artist by continuing this series, exploring all the things in your life that once gave you inspiration and energy to create. It could even be people using this same stylistic approach. I think you are doing something unique and its leading you somewhere. Take advantage of this moment to go deeper into your feelings of being trapped, of being isolated and respond.
I have enjoyed looking at your photos and it is clear that photography is one of your passions! Your images and your project are very thought provoking and creative. They are full of stories waiting to be discovered! I would strongly encourage you to keep pursuing your interest in how these natural treasures evoke emotion. But, look at lots of portfolios that can provide inspiration and creative energy for your project [.....]
I very much enjoyed looking at your photos and I appreciate the way
your images are masterfully considered and carefully designed. I believe I have answered your questions within the review. I hope this review is helpful and I look forward to seeing what you will do next!
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