My artistic pursuit of Photography and Painting began in the mid-1980’s when I received a BA degree from the University of Oregon in Photography and Painting. The Photography Department concentrated on B&W Landscapes. Mentors included Willie Osterman (now at RIT) and Ted Orland, both former staff for Ansel Adams and the Yosemite Workshops. Both are experts in Zone System techniques. From the Painting perspective, I was taught by Fred Mitchell and Frank Okada (members of the New York School of Abstract Expressionists). My early paintings focused on Abstract Symbolism as performed by Odilon Redon.
Naturally, my initial photography was in step with Ansel’s B&W landscape themes and Bresson-like street scenes. In 2018, I encountered some physical conditions that required a Liver Transplant. Something very unusual occurred in this event. My organ donor was an 18 year old woman with a huge love of life. As an infant, Makyla was an incredibly special person who expressed unbounded joy and warmth. She was adopted by a loving family. I have since wondered if Makyla was of Indigenous ancestry, as I am informed of her love of animals, nature, and the earth, all indigenous beliefs within the Pacific Northwest. This shall forever remain unknown.
On my third night in the ICU, I had the urge to ask my nurse to hand me my laptop. For some reason, I ordered a boatload of SONY mirrorless cameras and lenses. Why?, as I have never used such modern equipment. In prior personal visits with Eisenstadt, he encouraged me to stick with film as there would be few practitioners in the future. Regardless of the personal advice, I decided to pursue digital at this point. I have come to believe that the essential Spirit of Makyla directed this action. Heck, I didn't even know if we would survive this transplant ordeal. Onward we go, together!
At this phase of our life, I have expanded my reach by uniquely blending my experiences in photography/painting and essentially concentrating the bulk of my efforts on color Abstract Photography. If I were to loosely define my current work, I would be inclined to call it Symbolic Art, targeting Indigenous Mythology, Spirituality, and the Human Condition. Most images are shot outdoors, while walking dirt roads in "Indian Country" lands. As part of our contribution to art, I simply interpret the earth in an exclusively unique abstract manner. You will most likely not see any comparable source material or similar work on this great planet we all call Earth. I have found a niche to drive inspiration, a niche that no other human worldwide has yet created. Welcome to truly unique Painterly Photography.