Fire, Air, Earth, Water

For the ancients these basic elements comprised the cosmos. In later times they have often been represented symbolically in poetry and the visual arts. In Fire, Air, Earth, Water I explore the relationships between the elements and their forms. The late still lifes of Josef Sudek originally inspired this series. Using everyday objects in his Glass Labyrinths he created visual poems in light and form; and, as we know, photography is painting with light.

Junkyards:  The Transcendental Automobile 

I love cars – especially the old rusty and contorted ones.   

My photos highlight the dramatic beauty within the deterioration of these cars and trucks.   

There is the mystery of countless stories as the growth slowly enshrouds these battle-scarred metal icons.  The breeze speaks with ghostly whistles and inspires the art of transcending automobiles. 

Sadly these vintage junkyards are declining as it is more profitable to send off the scrap metal to be recycled.  

It is important to visually preserve these cultural roadside icons while there are still some left. 

Color and Light  

My passion as a photographer is to use light and reflection to to create depth of composition and unique perspective. I love to wander through new surroundings and familiar neighborhoods to find beauty in grand as well as ordinary vistas.  To capture a breathtaking composition is the challenge I love.  In this series, abstract Art is created with the simplicity of straight lines and a few angles. Color is an essential element in this work; it adds intensity and dimension.  Color, light and reflection unite to bring new vision and thought to ordinary walls and windows. 

Far from the Madding Crowd 

As a child growing up in a small town in Texas I dreamed of living on a farm surrounded by animals. In suburban Massachusetts a couple of years ago, I discovered that my fantasy farm exists just up the street. Visiting the farm I formed attachments with the animals and have made images in my style developed over the last decade. Concentrating on fine  detail not apparent to the naked eye, I find beauty in dirty faces and dripping saliva.     

 My images focus closely on individual animals. I capture their personalities and humanlike qualities – their questions, their curiosity, their wish for affection, and their offer of friendship  along with their ever powerful appetites. Ideally I hope my images might help lead to more humane treatment for these animal  such as advocated by Temple Grandin; and to a view of them as similar to our pets and worthy of being a “cause” like the prevention of cruelty to domestic animals. 

Seeking Glory 

Fame, success, even self-respect can be elusive goals for many young men (and women) who grow up in the inner city.  But the boxing gym, as it has for decades, promises a way up for some, a way out for others. It offers young boxers a home where they can find support and community.  It builds character.  For some it’s also the source of discipline needed to avoid the ever-present lure of gangs or drugs.  

I’ve been spending time at some of the inner-city gyms in the old mill towns north of Boston. I’ve gotten to know many of the boxers — and the trainers committed to them – and found them to possess an inner strength as well as a physical one. It takes both to step into the ring, to put the body through the punishment boxing demands, and to make the sacrifices needed to achieve a few moments of glory.  

These images – the beginning of a long-term project that will explore the lives of these boxers more deeply – celebrate the strength and courage it takes to be a boxer. 

Brink of Change 

It was time to make a change, one of many turns in life – we wanted to leave New England winters behind. How does one find a new place, step from the familiar to the new? 

Poised on the brink of a change, I awoke almost daily with a new fear, yet another way it could go wrong. What if…  

These photographs emerged as little postcards from sleep-born anxieties. They look at me and say, this is what you fear. Recognize it. It will all work out. 

Christina’s Home

This is the home of Christina Olson who is the subject of Andrew Wyeth’s painting, “Christina’s World”.   Christina is shown laying in a field looking up at the house.  These photographs are an exploration of light and space in her home.  Although light and space are around us all the time, this historic house offered a rare opportunity.   These photographs of lightly furnished rooms with their long rambling corridors present mysterious hints of the presence of other rooms.  This leaves the viewer’s imagination to explore them.  The unfinished floors and paint peeling off the walls added texture to the halls and rooms.  I am drawn to the elements of light, space and texture.  They are the subject of many of my photographs.  

Christina suffered from muscular dystrophy which was a progressive disease that left her without the use of her legs.  She chose to crawl through the 14 room farmhouse rather than use a wheel chair. One can only imagine what life was like for Christina.     

Without You 

My husband passed away a few years ago. People didn’t know what to say. My own words weren’t enough. In time, I picked up my camera and went on long walks and hikes. I found scenes that reflected my sadness, sense of isolation, and grief. In their own way, these glimpses offered comfort. 

Poet Marie Howe has said, “Art helps us let our hearts break open rather than close.” These images, and the act of sharing them with you, help let my heart keep breaking open.