All photographs on this page, and in my blogs,
are my own work unless otherwise noted.
All photographs, stories and poetry are
Copyright 2000-2007: Carolyn Collins, all rights reserved. ALL PROFITS FROM PHOTOGRAPHIC ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY GIGS GO TOWARD MY VOLUNTEER WORK WITH CHILDREN (see my "Interests" section for more details).
(photo by Hal Samples)
ARTIST STATEMENT:
Appreciation for the humanity
of people we never meet…
fascination
with shape, form, and light…
the magic
of transcending time and space
when one quietly
observes…
thus unfolds the beauty
of the ordinary.
I am drawn to images best described as the border between sleep and wakefulness. I find order in the world of chaos and record it without disturbing its natural environs in hopes that the viewer will experience that profound presence of simply being. It is the ethereal bridge I seek to capture... between seeing what exists and realizing what begs to be seen. Ultimately my photos speak to that part of our soul that questions, yet, expects no answer but feeling.
~Carolyn Collins
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Carolyn Collins is an emerging artist residing in Dallas, Texas. She gains inspiration from her travels, as well as from her interactions with people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures. She is completely self-taught in photography, which has allowed her art to evolve independently. The resulting works stir the imagination, touch the soul, and instill a zest for life. Her works range wildly in style from voyeuristic glimpses to timeless documentaries to pure abstraction. She is constantly experimenting with a variety of subjects and techniques (as is evident by a quick look through this site). However, she is best known for her intimacy in capturing subjects.
One of the unusual aspects of her photography is that she still uses 35mm film exclusively. “I love the thrill of risk, the element of surprise… it’s an incredible feeling when I do capture the very essence of the moment with that single shot. Sure, it’s much more expensive to work this way, but that’s part of the artistic element in my work… the single shot.†Carolyn also maintains full control of the printing process, ensuring that the image produced is precisely the image she photographed. Only her abstract works involve any manipulation beyond reality. All of her images are now printed on archival matte fine art paper with archival pigment color inks.
Carolyn has always had a great appreciation for storytelling, and this is evident in her photographic style. “I’m horrible with names and facts, but I can recall the slightest smells, sounds, and sensory nuances of almost every person and place and moment that I have experienced.†Perhaps it is this abstract thought process that directs her focus to slightly different views of the world.
In everything... be thankful.
Today, I am thankful for the desire to seek more than pleasure. Thank you, God. :)
I am thankful to pursue, rather than escape.
Thank you, God. :)
I am thankful for sweet moments of solitude.
Thank you, God. :)
I am thankful for the luscious, soul-drenching rain. Thank you, God. :)
I am thankful for unexpected angels He sends my way. Thank you, God. :)
I am thankful for the clouds He brings. Thank you, God. :)
I am thankful for the colours of life. Thank you, God. :)
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I am thankful that I have a place to eat. Thank you, God. :)
I am thankful for the gift of sight. Thank you, God. :)
I am also thankful for all the 'strangers' I get to meet. :)
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And other travels the past year...
Appreciating life - every moment of it. Pursuing my art behind the lens, connecting with others, and sharing what I can to make a difference in this world... even if it is only a tiny ripple in the sea.
I am also a strong advocate for those around me who are making a difference in this world.....
HopeshowTV
AT WAR is a documentary film about the chaos of war, set in Afghanistan. It speaks a message, not of a single country, but of a common humanity. Documentary filmmaker Scott Kesterson arrived in Afghanistan in May 2006 to begin a one year journey as an embedded journalist.
Directed by Scott Kesterson
Produced by David Leeson
Some of my heroes (the kids & music teacher of the African Children's Choir!). Photo taken 1/12/2007 by a former leader/chaperone. More about these at-risk children in my "Heroes" section and in my photoblog "Spiritflow"!
