Artist Statement

Continuing the legacy of the French Impressionists (1860-1890) and embodying the very essence of photography (in its chemical form), I employ the use of light and shadow to explore subjects. It is my aim to penetrate the object so as to allow it the forum to reflect and reveal its inner essence; one might say, its 'Buddha nature.' For me photography is both a form of self-expression and a vehicle for provoking a critical response from the viewer. I often photograph the 'dark' and seldom the light and this is in part a reaction against the contrived nature of 'smile' photography and all the pretense it aspires to achieve. All of my photographs are presented as they were taken and I never use any after effects or filters. Each photograph is carefully considered and composed in camera using an array of custom functions, never contrived or manipulated afterwards.