Harold Ross
Artist Statement 
My passion for photography started when I was very young, while standing next to my father in the darkroom. I felt a sense of wonder as I watched his images magically appear in the developing tray. That is what I feel, even today, whenever I take the time to really see what surrounds me.
Almost 20 years of experimenting with the specialized technique of light painting* has given me the ability to show subjects in a "different light" so that viewers can appreciate them in an unexpected way. This "different light" is meticulously applied in each image and is very sculptural in nature. My process elevates and reinforces the notion that discarded objects can have an extraordinary beauty.
I am drawn to things that are rich in texture and surface quality, often turning to natural subjects. In combining these natural elements with man-made objects, I explore their relationships through juxtaposition.
The negative effects of time have often been addressed by artists and writers. I'm convinced that beauty isn't necessarily diminished when something is "past its prime". In fact, I feel that there is an innate beauty that only the patina of time can reveal.
* Light painting requires working in a completely dark studio, opening the camera for an extended period of time, and "painting" the light onto the subject. This reveals greater shape, texture and color, and is very much sculpting with light.
BIO
Born into a military family in 1956, Harold grew up in New Mexico and Germany. Fortunately, his parents took the family on outings almost every weekend, hiking in the desert, horseback riding and camping in the mountains, exploring castles and old gardens in Germany and camping in Italy. These outings, of course, left many lasting impressions. After moving back with his family to the U.S., he began photographing nature. As a young teenager, he bought his first camera, a GAF Instamatic. He still has that camera today.
He received his B.F.A. from Maryland Institute College of Art in 1978, after which he produced fine art and taught photography at the college level for several years. In 1987, he opened a commercial photography studio, where he has been creating images for national clients. In his studio he has been perfecting the unusual and difficult technique of light painting for almost 20 years, and his clients seek him out for the unparalleled look he brings to a photograph.
In recent years he has once again been concentrating on fine art, in which he employs his light painting techniques.
