This exhibit is FREE to the public and will be on display during library hours Monday--Friday 9am-6pm, starting Friday, November 17, 2023 thru Friday, December 8, 2023.
Witnessing Space and Time
Artist Statement:
My art is inspired by a freedom to play that I didn't know as a child stifled by abuse. Architectural lines may seem as unforgiving as the bars of a prison on mind, body, and soul. However, in finding a different vantage from which to view or a different light to shed on the architecture, my works are witness that whatever the circumstance the human spirit, by God's grace, may ever arise in inspiration, creativity, and life.
My black and white documentary and abstract studies of old, historic, often dilapidated architecture empower you and I to see the minute details of these buildings and our lives. My creative perspective, vivid texture, and rich tonality run alongside texts of history and story. I speak my truth to invite all to share their truth, making the unknown known. I witness these truths to understand yours and my history, weaving art with how we think feel, believe, connect, and care.
One of the unknows of photography is that its art isn't a mere click of a button. I research subjects and drive and walk many miles. I often stack, finding one interesting angle and stabilizing the camera for that exact angle as I take photo zoomed point by point away from me. I mesh all those layers into one photo for clarity throughout. Then I carefully choose a black and white filter before adjusting sometimes in individual parts in fine points the white, black, shadow, light, and so on that suit every part of the subject.
Another truth is art is two-sided--the perspective of creator and the perspective of viewer. Many people are afraid to voice their ideas and feelings about trauma for shame of feeling they did wrong and about art for fear of getting it wrong. In both art and trauma, no voice should be bound. Both creator and viewer may be witness to past, present, and inspiration of future.
This is the secondary branch of the William F. Laman Public Library located in the heart of the Argenta Arts District of North Little Rock.
