joanne gallant-chilton

fine art photography

Artist Statement

“There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are.” ~ Ernst Haas

My photography is an expression of many experiences using a variety of techniques. Past exhibits include studies incultural traditions, water and architectural abstracts, landscapes and florals. The overall recurring themes in my work, and my personal strength, come from the transformation of seasons and the effects of change within nature that correspond with inner transformations and change. I draw upon life events to tell a story, often incorporating video clips with sound or poetry to accompany the images.

I am attracted to chaos in nature as well as simple beauty observable in the everyday world. The discoveries of unusual shapes in rocks and trees that resemble body shapes or facial expressions are the subject of my photographic intrigue. I think life and nature are full of opposites and eccentricities; exploring those elements with my camera is inspiring and fulfilling.

During the past five years I have focused my attention on landscaping and building gardens around my home and studio that promote a sense of peace and offer solace during life’s difficult times. My floral images often depict sorrow, joy and impermanence. Still life arrangements are often documented in phases under controlled lighting in my studio and various background textures are added later to create other dimensions of meaning..

The technical tools I use to produce images include iphone camera apps, filters, creative software programs, textures, various lenses and optics that give the desired effect to my images. Sometimes I’m asked if I manipulate every image, my answer is, it depends…

I believe digital photography is a two part process: first, being in the moment and witnessing the world around me as it stills and grounds me; and second, enjoying digital playtime where anything is possible and the outcome merely represents my curiosity, self expression, and openness to receive an answer to the question I often ask—“What if?”.

Most of my prints are now being printed on Hahnemule Bamboo or Sugarcane fine art paper.