Armistead Sapp
P H O T O G R A P H Y
Artist Statement
Writing an artist statement is like poking myself in the eye over and over again. It is difficult to speak specifically about how I take photographs because then I feel compelled to describe everything that happens in that snap second before I hit the button to capture a shot. In that second is contained a definitive flash of all my experiences, every person I've ever met and a deep appreciation for the moment I find myself in that allows me to take that photograph. I look for moments of distinction and surprise. Then I take the picture so I can relive it and share it.
The Brazilian author Paulo Coelho wrote, "You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen." Sometimes I like to establish a scene, see what happens and then photograph it. I'll work collaboratively with a subject, place them in a traditional setting, and look for the unexpected. When I document the major events and rituals in the lives of my family and friends, my goal is to photograph the event in such a way that will cause a gasp in those viewing the photograph. It's the unexpected that drives my photography and keeps me hitting the button.
I want to thank my father for giving me my love for photography, he had a darkroom in our house growing up and from the time I could stand I was helping him print. He gave me my first Instamatic 100 when I was 6 and a Leica IIIf with a 50mm Summitar F2 when I was 12. He paid my huge monthly bill at two camera stores though high school. My mother taught me to visualize, compose and the classical rules of a portrait. My friend Michael Jones who helped me make the transition to digital and gave me his Nikon D2X, my first pro digital camera. And finally to Lisa Morton, whom I have known since the 3rd grade and has always demanded my best and kept after me to do more with my photography than take ironic photos for my blog. Without Lisa's encouragement my work would not been initiated and it continues with her daily advice.
Armistead Sapp
November 2009
