March 2014
Artist’s Statement
The essence of Americana is deep-rooted in its fertile lands and the generations of men and women who farm this country’s most treasured natural resources.
I‘ve always had a deep appreciation for our farmlands and their tireless gatekeepers, especially those that surround my native South. I seek to capture the body and soul of these farmlands with hope to pass along these riches and traditions for generations to come.
Biography
“Before I lift my camera, I always open myself up to the moment and trust my emotions to dictate and inspire a compelling story. Whether I’m shooting a portrait or a landscape, my purpose always remains the same: to establish a connection with the subject and to produce utterly ‘real’ moments. The emotions are raw. Sometimes private. Always Honest.”
Jimmy Williams is a fine art and assignment photographer based in Raleigh, NC. He studied visual design at North Carolina State University, and shortly thereafter, opened an independent studio where he established himself as a successful and award-winning assignment photographer. Now, more than thirty-five years later, Williams devotes much of his time to personal photography endeavors, nurturing and maturing his photography into significant bodies of work. Three of Williams’ series, “Tuscany”, “Music Makers” and “Our Waters” have been showcased in solo exhibits, most recently at the Block Gallery in Raleigh, NC, and The Contemporary Art Center of Virginia. His work has graced the walls of The Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.; The Center for Fine Art Photography in Colorado; The Eisner Museum in Wisconsin; and the Gregg Museum of Art & Design in North Carolina. Williams is also represented at John Cleary Gallery in Houston, TX, and Open Shutter Gallery in Durango, CO. Photography from his “Music Makers” series was also acquired by the City of Raleigh for its permanent collection.
Williams has been awarded an Excellence Award by Color magazine; Merit of Excellence for Nature Photography at the Masters Cup Awards; Outstanding Achievement in Photography at the International Spider Awards; and 2nd place Deeper Perspective Photographer of the year at the Lucie Awards Gala at the Lincoln Center, NYC. Other recent accolades include: 1st place at Center’s Singular Image Awards, Fine Art Photographer of the Year at The International Spider Awards in 2004, and editorial features in The New York Times Lens Project, Lenswork, Rangefinder, Photo District News, B&W, Color, Communication Arts, and Graphis magazine.
