Rod Bland Photography
 
 
 

I have always felt that I look at things a bit differently than other people. Maybe it’s an overt awareness of light, shadow, pattern; bits of magic in front of all of us waiting to be seen. Most of my inspiration is found while walking in nature or in my neighborhood. I collect images of cracks in the pavement, spider webs, tree roots, branches, positive and negative spaces, a repeating pattern of windows on the side of a building or a cast shadow broken by a disrupted surface. All act as my muse.

As a mixed-media visual artist, I enjoy experimenting with and “cross-pollinating” materials and techniques. Painting, drawing, collage, cut paper and deconstructive screen printing, are just some of the methods used in my work. Mixed media satisfies my need for depth of layers, dimension and translucency.

My past career as an exhibit designer taught me to see spacial relationships from a plan view or aerial perspective. Architectural references and map-like qualities are inherent in my work.

My work is process driven. I like to be in the moment, trusting my instincts as I work. I prefer quick marks, keeping the work raw for as long as possible. Each mark gives life to the surface. A mark can be additive (drawing) or subtractive (sgraffito or scratching). These marks can both hide and reveal previous layers creating a dialog of action and reaction. This dialog is what keeps the work alive with energy and spirit until it declares its independence from me and begins a new exchange with the viewer.

Making art gives me an endless sense of purpose and is the most effective channel to express my creative self.