P A U L  B R A C E Y    

Fine Art Photographer

 

A native of Scranton,PA, I now live in the beautiful "Endless Mountains" of Pennsylvania. Exhibitions include the international photography exhibition, "Il corpo, lo spazio" in Italy (June 2001), the AFA Gallery Member Show (June 2002), and the Diversity Show (July 2002). I enjoy spending time with my son, Ryan, and a wide variety of outdoor activities that all seem to have "climbing" in their titles. During the day, you can usually find me managing the climbing gym.

 

Artistic Statement

Hopefully, people looking at these images will see things as they haven’t seen them before. Part of the goal in creating these images has to be to show things in a new light, or as the case may be, in a revealing darkness. Part of the goal has to be to strike a certain, indistinct chord that reverberates with a familiarity beyond what is actually being seen. Sometimes the goal is to intentionally bring ideas from the subconscious to the surface, often building upon improvisational techniques as part of the process. Yet another part of the goal has to be to reconcile the difference between opposites, color and monochrome, line and form, simplicity and complexity, truth and fiction.

Finally, some part of the goal is ultimately to allow the viewer the joy of discovering a meaning behind each image, even if it is their own meaning (with a nod to Derrida's "freeplay of the signifier"). When blessed with the courage, determination, and good luck to show work, it is often quite refreshing to learn that it speaks to others too. This is a cause for great pride. It is like someone heaping praise on your child. After all, the work is not you, but something that became itself through you. Like good deeds and children, it is often tempting to describe them in great detail, pointing out each feature worthy of praise, but in the end, it is usually best to let them speak for themselves.

As it is with raising children, family and friends prove ever so helpful with their wit, insight, honesty, encouragement, and support. I think it is important when writing a statement like this, to offer them a sincere, “Thank you.”