John Horwitz

Before you look at the photographs there is a story that needs to be told about the pieces that are in front of you. We often see a final image and are struck by the color, light or texture of a world interpreted by the artist. It may be real, surreal, an impression or abstraction. We compare it to the experience and decide if it is truth or beauty, brutal reality or unjustly critical. It is in this end result of a lifetime of learning, and a continued quest for understanding that we stand and gaze at a photograph, canvas or sculpture and wonder what brought this work together as we see it.

I have always been fascinated by the ability of photography to show minute detail and puzzled by those people who are unable to see that it can also be a serenely soft media, not only hiding our faults but becoming a fantasy as well. This compelling dichotomy is an inspiration and completes all of my visions.

The camera is fully capable of exactly reproducing whatever is placed before it and anyone skilled in image enhancement would find scarce challenge in manipulating an image but in what context should this or any other embellishment be done? I find great comfort in being able to switch from the traditional film cameras to digital ones and make no distinction between the tools or process, but concentrate solely on the result. This is not just a technical exercise, it is the mastery of my chosen craft that leaves many viewers unable to tell the difference between the two even after close scrutiny.

Photography has been used too often to simply document our lives and the inherent creativity of the media is overlooked or dismissed as ‘easy’ when compared to more traditional art forms. It is a process whose many practitioners debate form or content yet rarely achieve technical competence or aesthetic clarity. It is my desire to find a balance between these two ideals and a deep and meaningful personal expression. In this context my work continues to evolve encompassing abstract and formal ideation.

Currently not offering TFP*

Compliance Statement
All pictures, graphics, videos or other visual media displayed on this website are exempt from the provision of 18 U.S.C. § 2257, § 2257A, and 28 C.F.R. Part 75 because said visual media do not consist of depictions of conduct as specifically listed in 18 U.S.C § 2256 (2)(A) or (2)(B), but are non-sexually explicit states of nudity, or are depictions of simulated sexual conduct photographed before March 19, 2009.