Light energizes me – it always has! For as long as I can remember I have been drawn to light, whether it is the green light of an impending storm, the golden hues of a sunset, or the interplay of light and shadow caused by reflected light. I love to see the light bouncing off the ripples of a rushing stream, or reflecting off a window into a gloomy alleyway between densely packed buildings in a city. My convergent media work is not only inspired by light, but truly captures the energy of light:
First, my starting image is “drawn with light” through the medium of photography.
I then digitally process the images in my “light room” using multiple software programs. I will create multiple versions of the imagery – different exposures, versions that I have painted using digital brushes, digital sketches – and blend these together, to create my vision of the scene.
Typically I also add in some pure light from other photographs, to emphasize the luminosity within the picture, and I emphasize the lines at the focal point, to give an embossed effect. I will often apply a texture to the whole scene too; this adds a slightly 3D effect to the final print.
In 2016, I invested in new technology, allowing me to decorate metal, ceramic, textile, and other substrates using a permanent technique referred to as dye sublimation. Items decorated in this way will not scratch or fade under normal usage, and are produced in my home studio in Shepherdstown, WV.
Biography
I am a convergent media artist. I manipulate my own digital photography, and clients’ photography, to design and create mindful home decor products and wall art for big-hearted people! I am a citizen of the world; born in the UK, lived in England, Scotland, Kenya, Portugal, and now Shepherdstown, West Virginia. I am self-taught, with the aid of online courses and books. What started as a hobby, has blossomed into a small business that helps me to make regular donations to Parkinson’s disease research, and will provide supplemental income to allow me to stay home with my Parkinson’s-afflicted husband.
Other Creative Skills
Graphic Design, Photography, Textile Design & Artistry
