Tell us about your artwork.
Hi, I’m Darlene Riel. I display photographs of my travels at the Auburn Old Town Gallery. I love to travel and while I’m traveling, I happen to be a shutterbug!
Describe how art is important to society.
Art has a huge impact on our society. Art is all around us. It’s a part of our everyday life if you think about it – music, a mural on the street, a sculpture in a town square, furnishings in our homes and offices, jewelry that we wear, etc. Artists documented our history and cultures. Art provides us emotions and promotes expression and creativity. Art can be self-centered and take us to a place, a memory and we respond to it whether it be happy or sad. Art brings us together. Art can heal.
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
As a person behind the lens traveling, I feel that I do “see” things that others pass by such as rich textures, old patinas, weathered wood, or patterns. At least, these are the things that I’m attracted to. I’m not an artist that will go on a photo shoot to a specific location to capture an iconic image. I’d rather capture something more unusual or atypical, plus I photograph on-the-go.
Has your style changed over time?
My techniques and compositions have changed when I transitioned from film to digital cameras. The ability to back-off on a subject knowing that I can crop the image in post processing is often helpful. Occasionally I will purposefully take some images slightly out of focus and then add noise, creating a more painterly photograph such as the hydrangea photo I included for this interview. This, added with the subjects of textures and old patinas that I love to photograph, is why I like to print my images on premium poly cotton nap canvas.
Describe your dream project.
Simply put: the ability to continue traveling the world and exploring new countries, enjoying different cultures and taking a trusty camera along!
What superpower would you have and why?
I’d love to have two superpowers: the ability the fly and to teleport or the ability to be transported across space and distance instantly. That would be my ideal way to expedite my travels!
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Read Darlene’s previous interview here.
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