Personal Statement
by Nomeca Hartwell
As an artist I am interested in natural light as it illuminates
and transforms the world around me. The subject is secondary,
the feeling or mood of utmost importance. If I can convey and
recreate the emotions I feel when inspired by a subject I feel
successful as a artist. I have no interest in creating visual
art that is intellectual, that one might have to think about
to appreciate. I work mostly with outdoor subjects, including
some architecture. I very much enjoyed a chance visit to Chicago
where I was fascinated by the glorious bizarre reflections
one can find on immense walls of windows.
My art is a discovery of what I can abstract from the
world passing in front of my eyes. And my tools are simple:
a 35mm Olympus 4T and a few key lenses.
Snow sketches
Moody snow scenes can be challenging for a photographer. In
addition to finding the correct exposure for whatever effect
desired, keeping hands and feet safely warm puts constraints
on time spent outdoors. If the snow is deep enough, snowshoes
for both photographer and tripod are in order. If the thermometer
is very low, the equipment must spend time in a transition room.
The delicate monochromatic effects possible with fog and snow
are inviting for any photographer who enjoys nature reduced
to basic lines and minimum color.
Reflections on Chicago
Driving into Chicago, without my camera, I was struck by the
interesting and varied architecture of this city. I knew I had
to either rent a camera or send for mine. I also happened to
be there at a lovely time of year- a fall week- and had a
wonderful time exploring the N. River section. Unlike my
expectations, Chicago was laid back, friendly, well fed and
crammed with old and new buildings side by side. In fact with
the Chicago river and tree-lined avenues running through this
architectural feast I found the place faintly reminiscent of
an americanized Paris.
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