My primary subject is Oregon Rivers. My attraction to these bodies of water is both visual and emotional. I am drawn to the relationship between light, water and the infinite number of colors it can reflect from its surroundings. I also see this interplay as a way to express my feelings and experiences in of life. My subjects are familiar, depicting places in the Columbia Gorge, Mt. Hood Wilderness, Metolius River and the Wilson River. Some of my photographs present these bodies of water in recognizable tranquil looking landscapes. Others depict them as abstract expressions of movement and color. This contrast between tranquil scenes and dyna mic expressions draws attention to the nature of rivers; riverbeds and riverbanks appear untouched but are always changing. Variations in patterns and colors on the water surfaces can be seen as reflections of my changing emotions and perceptions. The rivers are always changing, life is always changing, and so am I.
I was born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon and have been doing photography for over two decades. I received an art education at Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Oregon, earning an Associate of Art in Arts. Then a fine arts education at the Pacific Northwest College of Art, in Portland, Oregon; earning a BFA in Photography. I have used a Nikon digital camera, Mamiya 7II (6×7 film camera) and Nikkiromat 35mm film camera. The photographs are printed on Professional Kodak Endura paper and many of the watercolor images are printed on metallic photo paper that features a unique pearlescent surface, highly saturated colors and ultra-bright backgrounds.
