March 2013
Artist’s Statement
These figure studies come from a much larger body of work I call Shared Histories. I catalogue gesture, movement, stillness, attraction, self and other. I am attracted to the wild, undeveloped landscape. I work in spaces I am familiar with and (that) interact with people I am not. These photos are self-portraits, leaves writing on flesh, the landscape projected onto the body. They point to virile, masculine energy in a natural, untamed environment that is often symbolized by the feminine.
I use early 20th century cameras and 19th century printing processes. I also shoot with a digital camera. I usually print in platinum/palladium. More recently, I’ve begun producing copperplate photogravure prints.
Biography
I was lucky to grow up in the foothills of North Carolina, swimming, hiking, learning in a landscape I still explore. Except for brief forays outside the region, I’ve lived here all my life so far. A year in France was a seminal experience: my interest in photography and affection for a well-browned loaf of bread started there. For the past twenty years I’ve worked as a fine art and free-lance commercial photographer.
Born in Tennessee, 1952
Raised in Morganton, NC
Davidson College, class of 1974
Charlotte since 1974
A Visual Artist Fellowship from the North Carolina Arts Council and several Regional Artist Project Grants from the Arts and Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg have funded my work in platinum/palladium and copperplate photogravure.
Jerry Atnip
Jerry Atnip has a 38-year career as a commercial and fine art photographer. His images have been published in 40 countries, and since 2003, he’s held over 75 exhibitions and been presented with over 90 awards. He is also a teacher, workshop director, curator, juror, frequent lecturer and serves on the boards of several Arts &
Photography organizations, including Atlanta Celebrates Photography festival and Slow Exposures Photofestival. His work has been collected by museums, corporate and private collectors and he is an Exhibiting Member of The National Arts Club in New York.