Artist Statement
I am Dennis, a photographer, an artist, and a writer. My art is a blend of all three disciplines, interwoven to tell stories. Through my work, I am continuously drawn to scenes with repeating patterns and old buildings that echo the myriad of stories they hold. It’s my passion to shape an artistic vision around those narratives. First and foremost, I am an artist; then a writer and finally a photographer. These three roles are the core of my being, my "Pa"—the essence of who I am.
Selecting subject matter for my work involves extensive travel, both physically and virtually. I traverse the land, my eyes searching for intriguing elements and stories waiting to be told. I also dedicate countless hours on Google Earth, seeking out-of-the-way roads and byways that might hold a narrative. When it’s time to capture the scene with my camera, I often rely on a triangle approach to a square frame, believing that triangles form the basis of strong composition.
What draws me to a particular scene is often its color—vibrant reds and yellows that stand out from their surroundings. Alongside this, I look for elements that tell a compelling story, one I can listen to in my mind as I survey the scene.
My inspiration stems primarily from the work of Andrew Wyeth. I am deeply moved by his use of softer hues and expansive scenes, and the way he weaves stories through color and composition. He was a master, and his works continue to influence and bring joy to me. I have four pieces I refer to as my "Wyeths," constantly serving as a source of happiness and inspiration.
In terms of technique, my extensive background in photography began in a forensic lab, where I developed thousands of crime scene images. This taught me the essentials of what makes a photograph significant. With the advent of digital photography, I plunged into a career in artistic photography. I utilize three main cameras: a Nikon D810 with a full array of lenses, a Sony RX10MK4 bridge camera, and my Samsung S24. These devices are merely tools to capture what my artistic eye envisions. I am not anchored to any of them, although I have aspirations to own a Hasselblad one day for its ease of use.
My journey as an artist is one of constant exploration and discovery, blending images, narratives, and the rich tapestry of scenes that capture my imagination. Through my lens, I strive to convey the stories that I see and feel, sharing them with the world in the hopes they will resonate with viewers as deeply as they do with me.
Selecting subject matter for my work involves extensive travel, both physically and virtually. I traverse the land, my eyes searching for intriguing elements and stories waiting to be told. I also dedicate countless hours on Google Earth, seeking out-of-the-way roads and byways that might hold a narrative. When it’s time to capture the scene with my camera, I often rely on a triangle approach to a square frame, believing that triangles form the basis of strong composition.
What draws me to a particular scene is often its color—vibrant reds and yellows that stand out from their surroundings. Alongside this, I look for elements that tell a compelling story, one I can listen to in my mind as I survey the scene.
My inspiration stems primarily from the work of Andrew Wyeth. I am deeply moved by his use of softer hues and expansive scenes, and the way he weaves stories through color and composition. He was a master, and his works continue to influence and bring joy to me. I have four pieces I refer to as my "Wyeths," constantly serving as a source of happiness and inspiration.
In terms of technique, my extensive background in photography began in a forensic lab, where I developed thousands of crime scene images. This taught me the essentials of what makes a photograph significant. With the advent of digital photography, I plunged into a career in artistic photography. I utilize three main cameras: a Nikon D810 with a full array of lenses, a Sony RX10MK4 bridge camera, and my Samsung S24. These devices are merely tools to capture what my artistic eye envisions. I am not anchored to any of them, although I have aspirations to own a Hasselblad one day for its ease of use.
My journey as an artist is one of constant exploration and discovery, blending images, narratives, and the rich tapestry of scenes that capture my imagination. Through my lens, I strive to convey the stories that I see and feel, sharing them with the world in the hopes they will resonate with viewers as deeply as they do with me.
