Mediums - null

Artist's Statement -I’ve met many people with family history in Central Missouri who refer to the house where they grew up as their ‘Home Place’. They say it with affection. They say it longingly. They say it with reverence. With these images I sought to capture the texture of those feelings. The pictures are about the experience of being from a place that touches each of us in a special way. Although, I’m not originally from Missouri, it has become my home. I feel a connection to the land here that is the same connection I once had with my native Connecticut. Where ever I go there are ‘precious gems’ around each bend in the road. The old farm house; every flower and shrub; the creatures of the fields, forests and streams; the early morning light and the star pierced black night take me to one sacred idea. It is home. It is the ‘Home Place’. The transition to digital photography started for me in much the same way I once became serious about film photography. I’ve always had a camera since I was a kid. I loved to take pictures of everything and anything. Through my frustration at not being able to have my snapshots look like what I saw, I improved my skills and equipment. I thought of myself as someone who took pictures on vacations and around the house. It wasn’t until someone else saw something in my photos and expressed interest that my path changed. Other people wanted to own my pictures. At that point I was personally able to recognize them as art. I use the same approach to color, composition, value, etc. that I use in painting and film photography. In using these techniques, my photos have transcended snapshots and become fine art. Over time I’ve become acquainted with picture editing software. I’ve used a variety of programs. I’ve heard photographers complain about those who enhance their photos digitally. I confess, I held the same prejudice. I felt that somehow those that improved their photos digitally were somehow cheating. Here’s what changed my mind: I see now that photo editing software and darkroom work have a kinship. They are analogous. In the darkroom we dodge, burn, vignette, enhance color, value, contrast, etc. The software allows us to do all of that and more. It’s another way to enhance photos. This tool, as much as the camera, helps me to create a look, an atmosphere and an artistic point of view. Before I came to this realization, I was striving for tack sharp images. Now, I’m using the software to soften and bleed the edges; to pump up (or diminish) the color; to change contrast and lighting. Each picture is truly a unique expression of my vision. Because I come from a tradition of painting and other graphic arts, I have made my photos more painterly. I want the viewer that looks at these photos to be warmed by the appearance and to experience a special place and time. Many of images I offer are from this part of Missouri where I live. Some are places that I’ve painted or photographed before. Others are places that I’ve only recently discovered. I feel the pictures are intimate doorways to my artistic vision. This is what I see as I travel through the world. Please join me on my journey.

Gallery Affiliations - Set Decorations for Steven Spielberg’s “Seaquest” Cover of American Airlines Magazine Glendale Federal Bank (Now California Federal Bank) Greenpeace Arthritis Foundation Hermann Hill Vineyard and Inn County of Los Angeles Public Library Not currently represented. All works are available from www.2soaringhearts.com

Exhibitions - java.lang.NullPointerException