Q&A
How can I contact you?
The fastest way is to phone my studio at 847-395-1170. When I'm away, I forward that to my cell phone.
Where can I see your art in person?
The best place to see and purchase my art is at one of the many art shows I exhibit at each year. You may also purchase some of my art at Memories Gallery in Provincetown, MA.
How did you get started as an artist?
I grew up fascinated by art. My sisters were quite accomplished in painting and drawing. Although I dabbled in those disciplines, when I entered high school I started my studies in photography. After high school I earned a degree in Photo-Electronics.
Do you do all the work yourself? Is it really done by hand?
I am the sole creator of the art although my wife does assist me with some framing. The printmaking process I use requires me to make each piece one at a time by hand.
I’ve never seen anything like this before; did you invent this process?
The basic process is called lenticular printmaking. It is based on optical concepts discovered about 100 years ago. The process is rarely used due to the cost and complexity of creating imagery in this way. It is very rare to see hand made lenticular art.
How would you describe your art?
I make two styles of optical art images: kinetic and dimensional. The kinetic pieces change as the viewer walks by. For example you might see a summer landscape when standing in front of the piece, but it changes to winter when viewed from either side. The Dimensional pieces are 3D photographs that you can view with the un-aided eye. No special glasses or stereoscopes are required to see the depth.
Are these like holographs?
The effect certainly looks like it could be a holograph, but the process itself predates holography by about 50 years. Of course I’ve added a few 21st century ingredients to the recipe.
Regarding the kinetic art where the picture shows the seasons changing, how do you find your way back to the same spot?
I look for something in the scene that can be a reference point to return to. It could be a tree stump, a rock, or a crack in the sidewalk. I make careful notes of the cameras position relative to the reference point. I always use a tripod and photograph everything from the exact same spot using the same lens focal length.
Do you use GPS?
I use a GPS in the car as I drive to my locations, but it isn’t accurate enough for positioning the camera.
How did you learn how to make this kind of picture? Is it easy?
Although variants of my technique date back almost a century, there is very little about the process that is well documented. It took me a few years of experimentation with many failed experiments to refine my process. It was very difficult at first, but has become easier over time. I’m still learning.
Do you use a computer to make these pictures?
Yes, I use a digital camera to make the original photographs. Those images are layered and processed in Photoshop. The imagery is screened into very fine vertical lines less than 1/500 inch wide. I use software to do the screening. After printing the screened image, the handwork begins. I hand align an optical screen on top of the printed piece to within a 1/100 inch tolerance using an optical bench I made for this process. I next bond the lenticular screen to the print by hand using an optically clear adhesive and a roller press.
Does it matter what kind of camera you use?
Most of my images are now made with a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, although I own and use a variety of different cameras. The type of camera really isn’t important.
What does the public think of your art?
They love it! Most people tell me that they’ve never seen anything like this. Some of the things I’ve overheard people say in my booth include:
That's wild
Neat
That’s cool
Just incredible
That is wonderful
These are fascinating
These are incredible
Very clever
These are amazing
Coolest thing ever
Really, really slick
That's very different
That's very cosmic
It's like magic
That's fun
Really amazing
Very interesting…I love it
Oh my God that's awesome
Oh, aren't they fascinating
