How do you define your artistic style, how has it evolved ?
My style evolved significantly when I began exploring composite images. Before that, I had a sense of what I liked and felt, but I didn't know how to translate it into art. As my confidence in my work grew, I started branching out to new locations and incorporating new imagery instead of relying solely on archived photos. I've moved away from nostalgia and into a more thoughtful and deeper exploration of Earth, nature, spirituality, and life.
Can you walk us through your creative process?
My creative process begins with deep research, often sparked by reading books like Sacred Nature by Karen Armstrong. This initial exploration helps me connect emotionally with the subject I want to explore—such as forests and trees. From there, I head out into nature, spending a lot of time on location to photograph the environment in a way that speaks to my personal interpretation of the subject. As I shoot, I’m constantly refining the images, adjusting elements like composition, lighting, and mood in the editing process. This back-and-forth between shooting and editing continues until the photos align with the emotions and concepts I want to convey.What steps do you take from the initial concept to the final product?:
The process starts with a broad idea or theme that excites me, often prompted by a book, article, or thought that sparks curiosity. From this initial spark, I research in depth, gathering material that informs my vision. The next step is to shoot on location, where I spend time capturing the subject, paying attention to how the environment feels and how to best translate that into an image. As I shoot, I continually refine my approach, both in the field and through editing. The editing phase is integral, where I adjust colors, contrast, and composition to better convey the emotional tone I’m aiming for. When the work feels complete, I focus on presentation—choosing paper, framing, and layout that enhance the artwork when displayed in an exhibition.Are there specific environments, moods, or moments that spark your creativity most?
I’m particularly inspired by forests, especially on warm days or during the feeling at dusk. These environments evoke a sense of peace and quiet that resonates with me creatively.
Many artists have a particular theme or subject matter that they explore in their work. Is there a recurring theme in your art?:
A recurring theme in my work is the questioning of God as nature. I explore this through the lens of the natural world, using it as a medium to ask deeper questions about life and spirituality.What artists, past or present, have inspired or influenced your work?:
I’m heavily influenced by Monet, particularly in how he captured light and atmosphere. More recently, Rinko Kawauchi and Mark Chen have inspired me with their intimate and thoughtful approaches to photography.In the evolving world of art, how do you stay current with new techniques or mediums, and have you recently experimented with any?:
I don’t experiment too much with new techniques because I’m content with my current style. However, I do experiment with presentation, such as different framing methods. I stay current by visiting lots of exhibitions, following artists and galleries on Instagram, attending webinars, and taking short online courses. Connecting with local artists also keeps me groundedCan you describe a moment in your career that you felt was a significant breakthrough or turning point for you?
A major breakthrough came when my work was acquired by the OPW State Art Collection. It validated my practice and opened doors for me. Another pivotal moment was my first solo show at DIVA Gallery in August 2023, which gave me an opportunity to showcase my work in a significant way. Opening my own gallery, the Reynolds Gallery, dedicated to emerging artists, has also been a huge turning point in my career.
