April — A Year In Photographs

Minimal.

Spiral, Chicago, 4/6/2017

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

— Leonardo da Vinci

Minimalism is some of my favorite photography. Clean, simple lines, contrast, minimal color, patterns, all make for a sophisticated yet simple photograph.

This month was a challenge. While I feel very comfortable creating images that exemplifies “minimalism,” my ability to go out photographing this month was limited. A sprained ankle (a birthday present to myself), kept me somewhat immobilized.

Sine, Chicago, 4/22/2017

Much of my photography this year has come from walks around Chicago, Mexico Beach, Florida, and going out on small “mission” with other photographers. Having to stay put more, somewhat cramped my style. However, looking back over my photography from April, I am not disappointed with what I created. Spiral and Sine are two of my favorites from Minimalism. I certainly feel these two are true to my overall vision of minimalism.

On the other hand, as with all months so far, I reevaluated my perspective on a subject matter. On several occasions, I had to simply find something to photograph within a few steps (or limps) because I could not travel far to find my photograph for the day. A few, like Romanesque, were simply found while sitting, working on a filmset.

Romanesque, Chicago, 4/10/2017

As my ankle returned to normal, I did venture out. People was my subject for March and as that month wrapped, I found I wanted, or perhaps longed, to continue photographing people. People made their way into a month of Minimalism; photographing my friend and artist Rory Coyne gave Day 108 a subject. For Earth Day, my colleagues and I ventured to Oakwood Beach in Chicago for a beach cleanup volunteer day; Avery – Day 111 brought another person to Minimalism.

For those following this year long mission, January was devoted simply to Black and White and February, Shapes and Patterns. Upon self reflecting, Much of those months are reflected here in April. Shapes and Patterns clearly share minimalistic attributes while I also find Minimalism to be greatly connected to Black and White. The skills and vision of all photography are connected and looking back on 120 days of photographs, I know more clearly where my style appears but also areas of growth.

April was a great experience. Continuing a subject of People throughout the year and furthering Minimalism into the coming months will be fun but for now, May is upon us and my next challenge is here.

Up next: May — Color

Thirty Photographs — April

Photographing People – Rory Coyne

Part of A Year in Photography

Rory Coyne

March was a challenging month of photographing people as part of A Year in Photographs. Much of what I photographed had the air of street photography. While it was not my intention, nor a negative outcome, I felt I did not do my theme of 'people' justice; so strongly so, I am continuing photographing people indefinitely. 

Rory Coyne, an old friend and colleague, is a painter and leather craftsman. Working his craft in oil painting, his classic style of painting reminds me of many painting from the Renaissance, however, his choice of subject matter merging human and animal forms depicts mythological creatures.

On the other hand, Rory has a second talent for leather crafts. Collars, cuffs, belts, and some more BDSM inspired items, my observations of Rory's artwork belies my first observation of mythology, and my second, a symbiotic nature of humans and animals or even a criticism of human interactions with animal.

The intentions of his leather works and artworks shed light on my friend's psyche. While I'm not about to psychoanalyze Rory, spending the afternoon chatting, observing, and sipping on tea with him, only added intrigue to his personality.

With few of my friend having Rory's craft, I always am in awe of the skill needed for working with paint. And Rory's classic yet unique paintings are like nothing I can recall from walking through many art museums. It was only only a pleasure to watch him work but also to catch up with an old friend.

I encourage you to view his stellar artwork and perhaps add some one of a kind leather goods to your wardrobe.

I will no doubt want to revisit Rory's realm to see him work with leather but until then, please enjoy a few more photographs. 

RoryCoyneArt.com
Instragram

Rory Coyne

Waves

Lake Michigan is known to be one of the most dangerous lakes in the world. Nature is incredible, beautiful, and powerful; to be respected. Shot on iPhone 7.