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Steve
Van Riper
I
have been blessed to have spent my lifetime surrounded by the Arts. My
formative years were spent training in traditional media such as pen and
ink and oil painting, as well as music and the theatre. By the time I was
in Jr. High School, I had already developed an appreciation for the likes
of Monet, Mozart, and Shakespeare. I still work in the theatre today. With
the dawning of the Digital Age, I discovered artistic programs such as
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I taught myself photo editing and
restoration. Many years later, here I am.
Due to my artistic background, I view my photography as yet another medium
of expression. As the painter captures the essence of his subject with
paint on a canvas, I strive to find the essence of my subject with a
camera. My philosophy is to find a way to make that which is in front of
me beautiful and interesting, allowing a playground for imagination. In my
photography work, I admire both the early pin-up artists such as Vargas,
and the early pin up models such as Bettie Page. I believe it is the
simplicity of both styles of images that makes them timeless and appealing
today. The techniques of the early photographers, prominent light and
shadow, is an elegant signature. I admire that, and employ these lights
and darks in my work as well. Nothing compliments fine light like fine
shadow. At least in my life experience, I have found that which is missing
is often felt stronger than that which is seen. The mystery of an unknown
figure in a window leaves an impression on the imagination. I enjoy that
my mystery. As for my work, I would rather not show you what I see, but
rather enable you to see what you choose to. Enjoy.
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