C. C. Rider

It’s rare for me to create a Series with a preplanned objective in mind… CC Rider is a case in point. I wanted to use predominately black & gray objects on a white background so I dug through my scrap pile for previously used objects that fit that requirement. I then added a large graphic of a fanciful looking black letter ‘C’ that I found in a dollar store somewhere. The ‘C’ and the scrap shapes were tossed onto my studio work table and randomly moved about, photographed, moved again and photographed again. I did this many times resulting in a profusion of images that I then gulled and cropped. The contrast between the minimalized scrap shapes and the Rococo ‘C’ are dramatic and engaging. The ‘C’ bristles with a leader like decisiveness and force that radiates a manner that makes it seem more alive, more energized, maybe even determined. Yet, the dynamics of each composition cements the collaborative relationship of all the forms and makes their differences acceptable. Plus the ‘C’ never seems to act unilaterally. Often the scrap forms appear to suggest empathy and genuine concern for the ‘C’… and its smaller ‘c’ companion. They all move forward together and share in the leader’s positive energy. Working together as a team through multiple scenarios. Making this Series was a great ride. While chance runs counter to most people’s conceptions of art, it has been a vital component of it since its very beginning and the images I capture are evocative of that history. Except for minor modifications in contrast or hue the only computer processes applied to my photographs is the cleaning or cloning over of small distractive spots. Note: each image I create is limited to ten archival pigment prints per size, signed and numbered verso.