Andrea Simon Fine Art

Andrea Simon

New York, NY - United States

I’ve always had two great interests — photography and writing. While they may appear to be distinct modes of expression, I approach them both through a visual interpretation of fundamental human qualities. In both, I have a great appreciation of detail and universality. And in both, I try to capture the elusive — and often mystical — quality of a person or place, a quality that welcomes the light and shadow of the imagination.

Having traveled through the years, I’ve recorded images in both words and photography. I’m drawn to subjects that capture real and compelling personal values; and I’m interested in the nature of relationships, issues of moral courage and resiliency, and the necessity of humor in the human condition. I try to reflect these in my work.

As I’ve pursued my writing projects, I maintained a darkroom where I’ve developed black-and-white film and prints, employing archival processing and dry-mounting techniques. Returning to the world of color, I’ve come into this century with a new and exciting dimension, retaining attention to composition, lighting, and the value of personal vision — the principles of classic photography.

For a long time I resisted the lure of the digital world, I treasured the click of rolled film winding through sprockets, the image emerging from a chemical bath, the feel of glossy fiber-based paper. I wanted to halt the easy and instantaneous, to capture a variegated scene and hope its mood lingered long after viewing.

But, it's difficult to remain a technological recluse. So I have entered the digital world and, as I knew I would be, got easily entranced by immediate gratification and the opportunities for vivid color replications. I still opt for the natural photo, though I may use a little enhancements; and I have been happily experimenting with presenting my work in photo books. My work can also be found on my website: www.andreasimon.net

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