Glenn DeWitt MA

ARTIST’S STATEMENT---------PORTRAITURE ON THE EDGE

This body of work is about appreciation and discovery. It has always focused on capturing and expressing the essence of individual beauty, persona, and/or expression, albeit in pure form or figure, enhanced glamour, or intense emotions. The very special individuals photographed are only asked to be themselves in the truest sense. What they are or how they feel is what they become in front of the camera. My work at that point is a matter of doing justice to the moment they have created. This becomes a true collaboration of self-expression and artistic appreciation. The discovery element more than not, also becomes a mutual endeavor. Often walls fall as models and photographer discover expressive and artistic boundaries beyond self-perceived limitations. This unison creates the moment and unique opportunity for artistic capture.

My images attempt to show the diversity of beauty, and the depths of emotions. I want both to be seen and appreciated for what they are; raw, pure, dark, mysterious, ageless, and beyond what many feel is mainstream behavior. My work asks that viewers respond to this representation. They are challenged to consider a presentation of images that are edgy, dramatic, and to some degree in their face. Colors shift, images blur, body’s merge, and faces may contort. But within each enhancement, the challenge remains the same- see and discover the moment that has been captured, recognize the beauty in the form presented, be curious and perhaps engulfed by the emotions that spill out and show appreciation for the uniqueness of the image.

Above all, I create images that I enjoy. Personal satisfaction is always paramount in my mind. But I also trust my ability to sense what others may find appealing. Completion of the creative process depends on both. I must truly like what I see. And, I must sense that others will appreciate an image.

 

EDUCATION:

Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology
Certificate of Advanced Study in Counseling Psychology

Photographic Training:

Classes----S.U.N.Y.New Paltz, New Paltz, NewYork

S.U.N.Y. Ulster County Community College, Stone Ridge, New York

International Center For Photography, NYC

Woodstock Center For Photography, Woodstock, New York

Workshop Mentors----Robert Farber

Ernestine Reuben

Douglas Kirkland

Mark Arbeit

Howard Schatz

*It should be noted that beyond this formal training, my skills have been self-taught through years of extensive reading, experimentation, and practice. My work has evolved through thousands of hours behind the camera, in the darkroom, and in front of the computer. Photography, for the past twenty years has been my passion. Following an early retirement, this preoccupying avocation has become a vocation. I strive now to make-up for years lost and rise each day knowing that I am finally doing what represents a true calling.

EXHIBITIONS ( past to present )
Highland Cultural Center-- Living Tree Gallery, New Paltz, New York (juried group show)

Art Society of Kingston--Uptown Gallery, Kingston, New York (juried group show)

Highland Cultural Center--Highland Gallery, Highland, New York (members show)

Art Society of Kingston--Uptown Gallery, Kingston, New York (members show)

Belfast Exposed Gallery--Belfast, N. Ireland (Ulster to Ulster Exchange)

Studio 8--Kingston, New York (juried group show)

The Shirt Factory--Kingston, New York (juried group show)

The Dana Adams Gallery--Kingston, New York (two person juried show)

Farfetched Gallery--Kingston, New York (two person juried show)

Art Society of Kingston--juried member show; “ best of show “ runner-up

Art Society of Kingston--2006 exhibition series, April “ featured artist “ , 97 Broadway

Art Society of Kingston---2006 juried member show, July , 2006

The Center of Contemporary Fine Arts, Fort Collins, Co.--- International Juried show , “ On The Edge “, July – August 2006

*Additional credits:

Photography for “Route 28”- comprehensive review of one of the most historic and traveled roads in New York State.

“ ART WORKS “, Kingston Daily Freeman monthly publication. Featured artist

**Photographer’s note:

As a proud member of a very energized and invigorating “ outsider artist “ community, my focus has been to move beyond the boundaries of this experience (certainly, no disrespect to what were wonderful neighbors). During this time, a tremendous amount of work has gone into creating a body of work at a level where it would have the potential to gain recognition and acceptance on a much broader scale. I believe this goal has been reached. Currently, I am attempting to reach out to this greater audience. There is no doubt in my mind that this is a slow and difficult process. However, I remain strongly committed to the quality of my work and what my images have to offer.