Tom Reed
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Tom Reed
Artist Statement
My art is black and white photography, inspired by many, but especially by the
photographs of Ansel Adams, the plein air paintings of the Sierras by Edgar Payne, the
paintings of the Hudson River School, and the deep understanding of aesthetics by my
teacher, Dr. Shozo Sato, a master of the fine arts of Japan.
All are natural compositions. The medium is digital, each photograph bears my
personal “chop,” a stamp that is the traditional way of indicating authorship in Chinese
and Japanese ink painting and calligraphy. My prints are archival-quality giclée. I have
chosen to use basic, inexpensive cameras to stress the importance of composition in my
work. New York photographer Sylvia Plachy helped me to be confident with this choice.
The compositions are based largely on the concepts of Japanese flower arranging,
incorporating the dominant/subdominant/subordinate triunity, as well as abundant use of
empty space (in sky, shadow, water or snow).
The experience of awe is central to my orientation as a photographer.
Contemplation of beauty has led me to a yin/yang experience of comforting and shocking
beauty (corresponding to exhalation and inhalation). I am primarily interested in shocking
beauty--what people call a “moving” or “inspiring” scene. I find black and white prints to
be more striking and dramatic, and more readily experienced as sublime.
If we are presented with an awe-inspiring image of nature, we have the
opportunity to feel that emotion fully, and to inquire why we feel it. My suspicion is that
most people will then conclude that Nature is in some way sacred, or even divine. Maybe
then the dominant utilitarian view of Nature will begin to shift towards one of reverence.
This shift is essential in this age of environmental decline. I see my work as a
contribution to the very survival of humanity.
It is my hope that my images will bring the viewer to aesthetic arrest, stirring awe
and instilling a reverence for the spectacular planet that we inhabit and must care for if
our species is to evolve to our full potential.
During this year with Artspan I will reveal some new projects: “The Totems of High Mountain Lakes,” “The Nude Human,” and “Pavement.” The first is due to the Dogpatch studio tour being held on Halloween weekend, the latter two reflect my appreciation of the beauty to be found in the city.
Tom Reed
San Francisco, October, 2017
