keNT SHAW
Permutations
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PROJECT STATEMENT:
I begin - always - without knowing what will become. I start with a photograph…a recorded image…a possibility. But - for me - the real fun and excitement is when I sit down at the computer. Generally, I start by exploring the color and structure of that image captured thru my camera’s lens. One layer at a time - I manipulate and build and allow that initial thought to re-form itself into a different story. It can be a long, convoluted path, as I refine and hone until the final image takes on new shape. Rarely do the answers come in one short session. As I progress - I give myself space and time to get to know them, to allow their stories to reveal themselves.
Although this process and body of work feels new to me, looking back thru my photographic archives, I see the common threads that have led me here. I’ve always had a desire to create out-of-the-ordinary, imaginary, images that tell stories. If I couldn’t find the right image, I created it. For a long while, I worked with my macro lens making images that were beyond immediate recognition. I played with photomontages, creating imaginary vignettes telling imaginary stories. As my photoshop skills expanded, so did my ability to create.
With advances in technology and easy-access-camera-phones, everyone now has a virtual darkroom in their pocket. With the expansion of social media, the sheer number of photographs produced and shared every day makes finding one’s unique voice and vision difficult. The images in Permutations are my attempt to go beyond what is expected. Each resultant image is an explosion of color and light and energy-in-motion. A reflection of my over-active-imagination and passion for the creative process in the making of this work.
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ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Kent Shaw is a photographic artist living in Elmore, Vermont. He started his career in music education and was a high school band director for ten years. While still teaching, his interest in technology led him first to recording studios, which quickly lead to a stint doing television audio for professional sports. This was followed by many years in various aspects of Information Technology. He and his wife Jean, moved to Vermont in the mid 2000s and after a few years of telecommuting from his home in Elmore he retired in 2008.
He first started photography in the early 1980's as a hobby, but time for photography was limited by work demands. Following the introduction of digital cameras he experimented with various point-n-shoot cameras and made the switch to Digital SLRs in 2007. He has been shooting non-stop ever since.
Nature, landscapes (both day and night), and macro (close-up) photography are his primary interests. Recently he has taken to producing high contrast black and white images.
Kent has taught numerous photography related classes at River Arts in Morrisville, VT. The subjects of his classes were night photograph, flower/macro, photo organization, and Photoshop classes.
For more examples of Kent's work, please visit his website - here.
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All artwork is available for sale.
For pricing information contact
Kent Shaw:
kent@ksclick.com