Posted December 2011

W.E. Arnold
traditional darkroom-and-film photographer

GVAL Interviewer
Doug Titchenal news@gvartleague.com

There’s a well-known saying that goes: “Go as far as you can see. When you get there, you will be able to see farther.”

This issue’s featured artist, traditional darkroom-and-film photographer W. E. Arnold, appears to have taken this advice to heart. As he explains, “The more you shoot the more you see, and scenes begin to present themselves to you. For me, photography is capturing life as it is…I go hunting for my subject matter; I do not construct it.”

Even his influences were not sought out, but rather discovered. One of the earliest was one he calls “cheesy”—Bob Ross’s “The Joy of Painting,” a weekly television show that ran from January 1983 until May 1994. Later, more expected sources of inspiration emerged: Bernice Abbot, Edward S. Curtis, Arnold Newman, Annie Leibovitz, Alfred Stieglitz, Emmet Gowin, Eugene Atget, William Eggleston, & Shem Schutte. And, painters whose “joy” Arnold has admired are equally diverse: Monet, O’Keffe, Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, Warhol, and Peter Hrinko.

In between the darkroom and the streets, Arnold—whose birthday just happens to be Christmas—took time to give our readers some insight into his love of photography and why he shoots what he shoots.

Tell us why you like photography. How do you decide what scenes/ideas to photograph or illustrate? When I’m out shooting I try not to have any preconceived ideas about the images I am looking for because for me that leads to disappointment. Instead I allow my ‘mind’s eye’ to show me the frames I choose to capture. I always strive to unearth reality authentically and without guidance.”

Tell us about your creative process. For me photography is a release and it drives me. To be aware of a scene presenting itself to you, then capturing it and finally processing your image in the darkroom; there’s nothing like it.

How would you describe your work? I use the term ‘Abstract Street Photography’ whenever I am asked this question. I shoot anything and everything; Skylines, portraits, street scenes…anything.

Were you interested in art as a child? I have always been very interested in art my entire life [Bob Ross on television got Arnold started]—as for photography, I received a Kodak 110 camera from my mother in grade school and I’ve been shooting film ever since. In high school I was introduced to the darkroom and I knew I had found my creative outlet; I couldn’t get enough of it! It wasn’t until I began spending countless hours in the darkroom at Otterbein [University] that I discovered this was my true passion, the traditional process of producing one’s own photographs captivated me.

Would you describe anyone in your family as an artist, like you? My stepfather is a professional painter and an artist in his own right. He was also the one who purchased my first set of lenses for my first rig.

Do you have any formal academic training in art? Yes. I received a minor in art at Otterbein University back in 2006. Oddly enough I studied Ceramics more than Photography; however, as you can see, darkroom photography is my true passion.

What artistic goal would you most like to see realized in the next 1-2 years? I have been working for several years to have an in-home darkroom. Repayment of student loans has hampered my progress but completion of my goal is on the horizon.

Why did you join (and continue to be a member of) the German Village Art League? I have lived in Columbus for going on 11 years and I have found that German Village is one of the best places to live. The community is alive, diverse and very artistic and that’s why I am a member of GVAL. We artists can carry on the legacy of the historic German Village.

Where are you exhibiting now and what shows are coming up? I currently have work at 83 Gallery in the Short North as well as a few pieces in the Mad Lab “TOO Much Photography” show. And, of course, in GVAL’s Illuminating Art show. I also have work in four upcoming shows: • December Gallery Hop, 83 Gallery, High Street, in the Short North, December 3-31 • A Moment in Time: The Shanghai Series (solo), Becker Gallery Otterbein University, January 4- March 29. • ROY G BIV’s ImageOhio12, Shot Tower Gallery, January 12-February 24 • (Not Always) Black & White, selected GVAL members show, Mad Lab Gallery, May 1-27

Although his “Abstract Street Photography” hasn’t garnered any awards—yet!—his work has been published a number of times and, as you can tell, W. E. Arnold photographs will be on view somewhere in central Ohio from now until next May. They can also be seen anytime at www.wearnoldphotography.com.

W.E. Arnold will be in the Illuminating ART exhibition December 2011 at Gallery 831.  For more information about Illuminating ART click here

Thank you for reading about GVAL's Featured Artist!

Next Featured Artist Issue December 2011

All images ©copyright German Village Art League and members.

German Village Art League
P.O. Box 6258
Columbus, OH 43206-6258

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