I’ve been a photographer for almost half of my life, and throughout my career I’ve truly enjoyed photographing people, whether that’s been in portraiture, fashion or commercial work. But on the side, I’ve also always had this quiet pleasure for capturing images of anything I find that’s intriguing, beautiful or aesthetically appealing. I honestly just take photographs of things that I personally would like to see hanging on my own walls. I figure, since I’m my own worst critic, if it’s good enough for me to want to hang up on a wall, then other people might want to also, right?
It was the summer of 2022 and I was out with friends at a large, outdoor flea market and I had my camera on me (of course) taking pictures of random people and interesting things I saw that day. Right as we were getting ready to leave I saw a dumpster in an alley with graffiti spray-painted on the side, so I took a quick photo of it and hopped in the car. Unknowingly, that day officially began my personal journey into creating my own kind of fine art. When I got home and uploaded the image on to my computer, I stared it at for a long time…mainly because I really loved how it looked just as a photograph, but I wondered if I could turn that simple image of graffiti on a dumpster into something more powerful, more compelling, and more artistic. I went to work right away, using all of my creative tools to compose an art piece that still embodied the original photograph I captured, but would elevate it to something even more special and unique.
That original, first piece of art I created called “Order and Chaos” became the beginning of a passionate, one-of-a-kind collection I call simply, “Street Art.” This collection is my own discovery of the art and beauty in the world around me. It’s a creative collection of the many things we see, as well as things that often go "unseen" in the world around us, and then the challenge of making it new and interesting. This artwork truly excites me! And, call me a rebel if you'd like, but I do not staple myself to any particular "rules of art" or styles, nor am I assimilating to any specific genre. This work allows me to express my creativity in a completely new and innovative way...and I create what makes me happy. What’s even more exciting is that now, instead of keeping it all to myself, I am blessed to be able to share this really special artwork with all of you! I hope you enjoy.
-Photographer/Artist, Michael Letterlough, Jr.
