Mountain Milkweed

Impression of milkweed on blue cloth

Storytelling from the heart
It’s a case of Ruby Slippers, updated. Abstract and manipulated photographs transport us to places we almost recognize but not quite. Like Dorothy, however, the people we meet are the life and dimension of the images, the memories and the legacy.

I want you to find yourself living inside my photo-tales of people. And to get lost in color of the images, adventuring in design, intrigued by soft forms and hard ones too.

My question is always, ‘What more can I do with and to an image to communicate a sensation?’ ‘What more’ is multiple, often dozens of steps in the computer, regardless of the camera or iPhone used to make the original. The process is not quick; I frequently try many iterations before settling on ‘the one’. Different art applications, as well as unique printing materials create presentations that catch eye and emotions.

Fragments of Spirit the book is a journey that took a much longer yellow brick road trip. 60 years in fact, and not quite done. Counted in miles over years, probably I could have spanned several continents, all without need of ruby slippers, because the land of Northern New Mexico is by now so familiar. This is a teaser, because publication will take place spring 2019.

Christo and the late Jeanne-Claude Christo’s projects have been a fascination for decades. Look in Projects for some excerpts of our photographic safaris during their installations.

The abstract floral series “Bluemers” (yes blue) started with closeup images from my mother‘s garden. Ordinary films were mis-processed in the wrong chemicals, creating unusual colors. Manipulation in postproduction and printing on metallic paper give a dimensional feeling of touchability past ordinary photo prints. The poster was created with special silver ink for an exhibit of this work in Australia.

iPhoneography in the coming collection “Wedding Dresses” is casual, but meticulously composed, snaps of shop windows, models, actual brides, appropriated magazine advertising and video manipulated drastically in phone apps and computer. Many images start as panoramas.

I’ve been working professionally since 1970, in an extensive mix of photographic interests spanning photojournalistic, documentary, portrait, architectural and graphic art styles, with twists of fun and mysterious spirit to captivate mind and eye. And I write – a lot. Words and pixels. I took three academic degrees, which have without doubt lent an eclectic background, as well as professional titles including Master Photographic Craftsman. Hand-made sculptural art books accompanied by my poetry and short stories are my passion.

“I work very hard to make what I do seem effortlessly natural.”