~Artist Statement~

First impressions do not always reveal the true nature of a subject. We must go beyond our usual path of only looking at the surface and push the limits, go deep within, really search for the truth. When I look into the heart of my subject I try to find the meaning of its existence, perhaps it is not apparent at first but eventually the answer surfaces.

Dispite the fact that I have received these responses, they do not always translate into words that humans understand. It is easier to read what a photo is trying to say than it is to perceive what it is about. As an artist I hope to capture what the subject is projecting. Nevertheless, I am only able to point my camara, focus, adjust the aperture and speed, then push the button down completely hoping that the thin gelatin-covered plastic inside the darkness has captured the message. If there is success then the viewer of my photos will perceive the truth, if not, then perhaps I was not able to transcend into the depths of my subject, leaving it locked away, until someone or something else can capture the essence of its meaning.

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I wrote the above statement pertaining to my photography. At the time photography was my main medium, which is not how it is now. I love to experiment with different art forms and I still love to take photos.

While in school (I have a BA in Art and a BA in Philosophy) an instructor got upset because I was doing various types of art. He wanted me to focus only on my photography. I cannot as an artist focus only on one form of art. I become bored with it and it is a long time before I come back to it. For this reason I break up the type of art I do and that is why this website covers all of my art. Some may be good while other works may not be so great. What matters to me is that I create. I create for me first and an audience second. If I did so the other way round I do not believe my work would appeal to anyone.

Art is subjective. Not all will like my work, but many will and that is why I am putting it on this website. I want to share my art with those that do like my work.

Enjoy! and thank you for stopping by,

Rhonda L. Cooper-Wood