Page 78 - World of Art magazine (2000)

kay eriCkson usa

artiSt TALk
i have always been a photog- of communicating through artis- and then there are things that do was very inspired by his use of
rapher since I received my first tic media of any kind. nothing for me visually. I think layers, and color intensity inter-
camera at age 7. I have had I like to create works with avoiding mundane, emotionless, relating to the subject in the pho-
other careers for monetary sup- layers of images and colors. and non-reflective images is my tograph.
port over the years such as: Works that invite the viewer to goal. I want the piece to stir My work has always been a
school librarian, film lab techni- look into the piece and experi- some emotion in the viewer. I part of me. I will continue to
cian, and film editor. ence some of my original visual want the spirit of the place or create pieces with or without an
Being a photographer implies a excitement. Some of my images object in my works to come audience. I can’t attach myself
realistic style just by the nature would stand alone complete through. to outside trends and styles.
of the media. I like to add without the addition of color, Seeing other artwork con- What comes from me is my own
another dimension by adding but I always photograph with stantly keeps me in touch with style based on my visual experi-
transparent oil paints to my pho- the intent of adding color to the mainstream of art. As I said ences.
tographs. I think it’s important the final print. Color adds that before, art is a solitary experi- I would like my artwork to be
to teach people how to really additional layer that hopefully ence. For me it’s good to keep a means for people to stop for
see. If I use certain colors draws the viewer into the piece. seeing other works and how they a minute, and to feel and really
that would not normally be in With color, I have found that impact me emotionally. Having see.
the subject matter of my photo- subtle is better. Sometimes I exhibitions helps me really see Having accumulated a large
graphs, or manipulate the inten- have to fight the urge to keep my work in a different, public body of work, it is good to be
sity of the colors, I feel it makes adding color, when the piece context. I love to see the reac- able to expose it to large groups
people look twice at the piece is complete with just a hint tions of the viewer to see what of people and to more impor-
and really see certain details that of color. That goes back to they are getting out of the piece. tantly, be a part of an exhibition
they may have missed at first having the time to experiment I have also done images for uniting with other artists. It’s
glance. and allow myself to fail. greeting cards and postcards, great to see exhibitions with
I think we live in a very tech- Adding color to the original which I feel help develop my varieties of styles and media. It
nological and fast paced society. photograph can also be done on style in a positive way. It’s shows me what else is possible
People are losing the ability to a computer. I love the hands on a good feeling to have images to achieve visually. It’s great to
slow down and observe their experience of touching the pho- on postcards and greeting cards have art celebrate events around
environment. As an artist, one tograph and applying the oils. that are mass produced and sent the world. I hope it shows the
of my goals is to preserve the That is more satisfying than sit- all over the world. I get a lot world how important artists are
art of noticing details, and ting in front of a computer and of positive feedback from these in the whole scheme of things.
seeing the aesthetics in everyday pressing keys. Although I do see types of images. I feel that all artwork is valid.
objects. a place for electronic manipula- My late photography professor It’s a subjective arena, and not
As an artist, I feel that I was tion, I don’t think I would ever at the University of Minnesota, opens to definite rules and
born with these skills and acute convert totally to it. Allen Downs, was one of my boundaries. The purpose of
perceptions. It’s not a choice of I feel that every piece of art most influential mentors. He art is to teach, explore, explode
doing something other than art that I have ever seen contributes always managed to capture a myths, create feelings, and visu-
it’s a part of me. My husband is to my own personal style. feeling or spirit in his photo- ally guide the viewer to open up
a jazz musician so music is inte- Sometimes viewing another art- graphs and documentary films. his or her thoughts and beliefs.
gral in our life. I definitely feel ist’s work allows me the freedom I also respect the work of Jan That is the joy of art and music.
that all the art forms are inter- to change direction and experi- Saudek the Czech photographic We need to break out of our
related. The pacing, symmetry, ment. There are things I see artist. I recently attended a old habits and beliefs and always
rhythms and color are all ways that I love, that really move me, gallery show of his works, and know that anything is possible.

pariS gUardian
1997 hand-tinted
photograph ©

kaY erickSon
photographer

76 World of art SPECIAL ISSuE 2000