Harrison Public Library Presents “Beyond the Lens” by Nina McKitty

Exhibition is on display August 6 to September 2, 2022
Gallery is open to the public during regular library hours.

Artist’s Statement:

My work combines many processes and styles: eastern and western sensibilities, classic and modern perspectives, photography and painting disciplines.
The changes in the craft of digital photography, as well as advances in technology, have created an ever-evolving art form that I enjoy exploring and adding to my body of work.
Flowers are my favorite subjects. My aim is to find the unique
beauty, mood and character of my models. I strive to bring the flower out of its typical surroundings to focus on aspects not usually apparent.
I sometimes work in the field, wherever that may be, shooting opportunistically, keeping my senses open to my surroundings. I think of myself, however, as a studio shooter. My process is to create an image in my mind first, working out the composition, color, lighting and background prior to a shoot. I then use my camera to capture, and software to refine what was imagined.
All of my images are edited and framed with archival materials. I created each of my image brushes, textures and backgrounds from my photographs.

About the Exhibit:

I named this exhibit Beyond the Lens because each image begins with one or more of my photographs which was then enhanced digitally. These digital enhancements include the use of editing software, the application of professional digital painting brushes, as well as my original image brushes and textures
derived from my photographs. Several images in this exhibit, such as Winter and Summer, are based on my photographs from which I created original digital image brushes, and applied them to original textures. Other images, such as Elegant and Chorus Line, began as original photographs to which I applied individual brush stokes using digital brushes. Images were created with archival inks and papers. I framed each image myself using archival materials.

About the Artist:

I was born, raised and educated in New York City where I lived and worked most of my adult life. My professional journey began as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner. I transitioned into corporate human resources in such diverse companies as real estate and education, eventually becoming a senior executive.

Neither my husband Bill nor I knew how much his wedding gift of a digital camera 12 years ago would impact my life. The camera went from an object of interest to a means of self-expression.

Since retiring 10 years ago, I have explored this means of expression studying advanced methods of shooting and developing. The changes in the craft of digital photography, as well as advances in technology, have created an ever-evolving art form that I continue to explore and add to my body of work. I enjoye sharing my work at art shows and welcome interactions with visitors.

My work has been influenced by my interest in art, especially Asian art, and travel. It combines many processes and styles: eastern and western sensibilities, classic and modern perspectives, photography and painting disciplines.

My husband and I share homes in Goshen, Ct and Larchmont, NY.

ninamckittyphotography.com