ELEMENTARY [Students, Scales Elementary, Tempe, AZ 2005]
Some experts will claim that the archetypal artist is one who is obssessed, usually with a singular subject. Another sweeping generalization. However, artists do have to conjur up some level of emotional involvement with a subject, in order to at least make vibrant, expressive work. And I want my art to have something of myself in it. And so I do try to involve myself further than just acting as a recorder of imagery. The camera can be used so beautifully as an interpretive tool. A truly miraculous invention, I insist. I can insert my artistic or social viewpoint, if I wish to try (though I find nothing less valuable or importrant than simply recording facts with film or digital technology). There's a certain, definite kind of stateliness to happenstances caught on film. I don't attempt to put my attitude about life into my picture, necessarily. As for the artist's obssessive nature, I have that. Important you know, however, that I am creatively obssessed with just about everything. Everything, to me, is Art, and Art, for me, is Everything; and so, I put the same kind of dedication and effort into photographing a pot of flowers, as I will photographing a world-class beauty, as I would shooting a house in the 'burbs, or: a group of kids getting ready for their first day of school, and all the fear and excitement of that, at the age these little sweet-hearts here are. My heart feels the apprehension, and also their courage, and yearning, to become part of a group, and be liked, and accepted.
When all is said and done, for me, the artwork is the crux of the matter. The work, and whatever thoughts and feelings it ellicits.

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