A Fearless Introduction to Doug Landreth

Doug Landreth has vision. His vision goes beyond what his camera is able to capture. He’s compelled to tell a story and a single photographic image is just the first chapter. He’s not afraid to use all the tools available to him in order to create the rich content in his artwork. Every artist must be fearless in their own way and he is a great example. He makes no apologies for his use of layering, patina and texturing. Would we expect a painter to excuse their use of oils, watercolors or pastels? A photograph is the only the canvas for Doug. His palette is boundless.

I wanted to interview Doug before the workshop so I called him and we chatted for about fifteen minutes the other day. I cut right to the chase and asked him to tell me about the emotion his work evokes in himself and others. I wanted to know what drives him and compels him to create these images. He told me a story about an art show he had years ago. A young couple and their seven year old son were walking around the gallery looking at his work. The boy wandered off on his own, captivated by one piece after another. Afterwards he went up to Doug and said, “Mr., I really like your art. The longer I look at it, the more I see.”

I love this story. The young boy was mesmerized and I understand why. Doug’s work draws you in, provokes a sense of wonder and transports you to a different place and time. Creating art is not about the tools you choose. It’s about the meaningful images you make. I think this weekend is going to open my mind and expand my vision beyond photography and hopefully initiate a little more fearlessness in us all. Learn to express yourself fearlessly.

- Susan Roderick