ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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| ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
| PRINTS Archival pigment prints are available in editions of 30 with 3 artist proofs. Call 248-371-0382 or email <cleveland116@comcast.net> for additional information or contact <traartgroup@gmail.com> ARTIST STATEMENTS "The Sonoran Desert Rediscovered" This body of work provides an uncommon view of common and overlooked desert botanicals in their natural habitat. The approach is intuitive and filtered thru sensory, aesthetic and spiritual elements. After visually removing the recognizable botanical surfaces, new realities are revealed - lyrical, kinetic, sensual, erotic, mystical and metaphorical by nature. On this botanical journey structural complexity and prestine beauty are exposed. My imagery is intended to elevate the viewer to new destinations that embrace awareness, harmony, tranquility....These destinations touch the pulse of the spirit and nourish the quiet current of the soul. Technically, "The Sonoran Desert Rediscovered" was digitally photographed in the natural context of the desert floor and articulated with the Southwest's natural light to preserve the essence of the experience. All prints are archival pigment ink prints on 100% rag fine art papers. "The Great Lakes Series" The Northern Great Lakes basin is cradled in an environment of the extreme. This is seen through the ferocity of blinding storms with their thunderous breakers contrasted by soft breezes, the gentle lapping of waves, and the echo of the loon. Within this deep wilderness endless shorelines emerge, edged by post-glacial sands, primeval woodlands, and rocky cliffs. The pastoral and prairie lands are punctuated with dense forests whose penetrating aromas massage our senses. It is within this context that I photographically celebrate Michigan's magnificent beauty and explore its dimensions to reveal and touch its hidden elements and metaphoric imagery. This approach affords an interesting duplicity. The readily experienced exterior reality sensitizes us to the complex beauty while the introspective exploration touches the quiet flow of the soul. "Visions of Bay View" "Visions of Bay View" is a narrative that not only documents the architecture and artifacts but more importantly it interprets the fundamental traditions and spirit that drives this community. Having experienced Bay View over a lifetime has allowed for a comprehensive photographic treatment of a significant Chautauqua settlement in Northern Michigan. It also has provided personalized color images published in the book "Bay View, An American Idea" by Mary Jane Doerr 2010. My narrative shares many visual and emotional levels simultaneously. Bay View is a highly sensory experience. It is decorative Queen Anne style cottage architecture from the Victorian period, white wicker porch chairs softened with bright garden patterned cushions, unexpected floral sprays of color strategically displayed and the familiar cider aromas of long ago wooden cottages. These distinctive scents release remembrances of a quieter, more comfortable, gentile and politely romantic time. The refinement and purity of life are clearly reflected in the immaculately preserved Victorian architecture. The fundamental harmony and balance of design and color are highly valued. Brightly pigmented structural accents celebrate a long ago world that is further enhanced by the constant change of dappled light. In keeping with Chautauqua tradtion, the original forests remain undisturbed and seem to hug the cottages with warm naturalness. Innocent voices of cheerful children and the joyful splash of crystalline Lke Michigan on the ancient grains of glacial sand are frequently heard. Pockets of razor edged dune grass are often felt while strolling Little Traverse Bay. Thunderous breakers are quieted by gentle breezes from the west. Bay View is most definitely a culturally enriched society. The melodic tones of cellos accompanied by other stringed instruments and the delicate voice of a practicing soprano and carillon concerts echo thru the densely treed community. As Bay View is sympathetic to the 19th century, it remains an aesthetic refuge, a retreat for spiritual and cultural growth and a source for reenergizing the inner self. Robert Cleveland For further information on "Bay View, An American Idea" by Mary Jane Doerr contact <maryjanedoerr.com>. |