crafted by photobiz

Artist's Statement

Artist's Statement:

 

Horses have been the center of my life since 1971, when we got our first horses and I discovered the world through their eyes and from their backs. They have been my greatest teachers and truest companions. Horses are Truth, Wisdom, Grace, and Strength. Living in Tucson, Arizona since 1969, I came to know horses as my wings, carrying me over trails and into competitions. I grew up with thousands of acres of unspoiled desert right outside my front door and often rode down sandy washes and over rough terrain bareback with just a halter...my bridle and saddle left behind hidden on a branch in the center of a Mesquite or Palo Verde tree. Trust was found in partnership and honest communication, with love.

 

Countless moments of exquisite beauty are gifted to the people who are fortunate enough to spend their life with horses. Courage and tenderness, passion and humor, compassion and playfulness...from wobbly foals to magnificent stallions...the world of Equus brings to our lives images that delight our eyes and take residence in our souls.The horses themselves have taught me how to photograph them. Connection is vital. Allowing time for the essence of an individual, the dynamic of a herd, or the unique bond of a horse and it's human companion is essential for images that transcend the ordinary.

 

In the world of photography, the word "capture" is often used to describe the moment when an image is created. I prefer the word "receive". That magical moment when an image comes to life, infused with luminous spirit, is a gift best graced by freedom. Anyone who truly knows horses understands that the best way to catch one is to let them come to you, to gift you with their presence. I apply the same philosophy to my photography and the generous nature of the equine soul continues to amaze me with gifts of evocative, mystical, and inspiring images that live and breathe.

 

Faith is essential to the way I receive images. When photographing, I trust people and animals to reveal their truest essence. It is important to establish connections, so I take the time to go beyond being an observer before I bring the camera into play. I strive to create a safe and relaxed environment where the focus is not on a hurried time schedule so I can provide faithful memories that people can enjoy and share with others. The resulting images are more honest and beautiful than either a client or I could have created with plans and technology. Personalities emerge, the depth of relationships come to light, and often a moment occurs that shows the best of what is and of what is yet to come. Each photograph becomes a window through which we can view the moment of its creation.

 

 

Essay on Horses:

 

There is an old saying about no color being bad for a good horse. I would add that there is no bad breed or gender. I believe that all horses are, by grace, good. I have had the privilege of knowing thousands of horses throughout my life and have learned that the less people manipulate, hamper, and "humanize" them, the more glorious they are. Mystical, magical, spiritual, and stunningly graceful, the horse is to me the ultimate in natural beauty. I have consistently found horses to be examples of patience, forgiveness, understanding, wisdom, graciousness, unconditional love, and true partnership. They have shown me splendor and brought me to places I would never have seen if not from their backs or through their eyes. I have been honored to be included in the kinship of their herds, to assist in the birthing of their foals, to care for them as they deserve to be cared for. I have shown them the joy of partnering with a human, the possibility of trust and love when they have been mis-used or abused, and the infinite realms that a horse and human can travel to when unencumbered by pre-conceived expectations and controlling domination. I am committed to showing horses the same love and respect they have shown to me, while caring for them in a consciously protective and nurturing manner. Horses and the people who love them are an unceasing and constantly increasing source of joy and inspiration in my life. Simply stated, horses teach me how to see the world, understand and relate to others, and live my life. Horses never lie and show you the truth of who you are.