Artist’s Statement

Photography can be used to explore the vast complexities of human nature and to tell a story about people we see in every day life.  In an instant, it is possible to capture a special moment, a split second never again to be repeated—a spontaneous opportunity to explore a unique human experience.  My photographic heroes belong to an early 20th century group of photographers including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Edouard Boubat, Robert Doisneau, Willy Ronis and others who captured the "blur" of reality, softened and humanized by the images of early cameras and silver gelatin printing that might have otherwise been over-defined. Imagine what they might have done if they had the opportunity to use today’s digital technology!

People I’ve Seen: An Exhibition in Black and White (Summer, 2010) was first on exhibit at the Pacific Grove Art Center in Monterey, California.  This exhibit, and the ones that have followed in 2011 and 2012, are dedicated to these pioneers with the belief that they “saw” special moments and brought them to life. They recorded the truth as they captured it through the pictures they took. They saw beauty and reality, darkness and light.

The photos we take can be translated by the viewer into a personal experience, evoking a memory, a longing or a unique story to be relived by the observer. If we are "lucky," it can transcend the impulse of the photographer to "go get that photo!"  Photography is a  special link between artist and audience. It is a special responsibility to be the eyes of the future viewer.  

​If people see something in a photo, are moved by it and, it is what the artist saw, then that's what makes it art. What do you think?

Turning the Camera Inward: A search for a photography of the self was published in 2017 and is available in both soft cover and e-book formats.  It is about taking pictures over the last 15 years and what I have learned about photography and .....myself. 

What happens to Christmas trees after Christmas is over? The Last Christmas Tree: A Children's Story for Children of All Ages, is co-authored with Abby Litt (now almost 10 yrs old), did the illustrations and will be available later this year. Please check back with the web site soon.

                                                                                       January, 2020