Page 182 - Art-Addiction

Kay erICKsoN

Born in california, usA
lives and works in santa Monica cA, usA

I have always been a photographer since I received my first camera at age 7. I have had other careers for
monetary support over the years such as: school librarian, film lab technician, and film editor. Being a pho-
tographer implies a realistic style just by the nature of the media. I like to add another dimension by adding
transparent oil paints to my photographs. I think it’s important to teach people how to really see. If I use
certain colors that would not normally be in the subject matter of my photographs, or manipulate the intensity
of the colors, I feel it makes people look twice at the piece and really see certain details that they may have
missed at first glance.I think we live in a very technological and fast paced society. People are losing the ability
to slow down and observe their environment. As an artist, one of my goals is to preserve the art of noticing
details, and seeing the aesthetics in everyday objects.As an artist, I feel that I was born with these skills and
acute perceptions. It’s not a choice of doing something other than art it’s a part of me. My husband is a jazz
musician so music is integral in our life. I definitely feel that all the art forms are interrelated. The pacing,
symmetry, rhythms and color are all ways of communicating through artistic media of any kind.I like to create
works with layers of images and colors. Works that invite the viewer to look into the piece and experience
some of my original visual excitement. some of my images would stand alone complete without the addition
of color, but I always photograph with the intent of adding color to the final print. Color adds that additional
layer that hopefully draws the viewer into the piece.With color, I have found that subtle is better. sometimes I
have to fight the urge to keep adding color, when the piece is complete with just a hint of color. That goes back
to having the time to experiment and allow myself to fail. Adding color to the original photograph can also be
done on a computer. I love the hands on experience of touching the photograph and applying the oils. That is
more satisfying than sitting in front of a computer and pressing keys. Although I do see a place for electronic
manipulation, I don’t think I would ever convert totally to it.
 waITING 2 waIT 1997 hAnd-tinted PhotorAPh©, Print 4½ x 5½ cM. / 11 x 14 in.
parIs GUardIaN, 1989 hAnd-tinted PhotogrAPh©, Print 4½ x 5½ cM. / 11 x 14 in. 

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