Joel Victoriano Rojas
Ode to the
Merrimack River
In order to pay tribute to the Merrimack River, I decided to rethink how I view photography. By revisiting the photo process, I have engaged in a bit of formal play by introducing textured and stained glass to the post production of these photographs. Through this method, I am able to introduce textures and colors in a way you could not with digital manipulation.
Artist/Thesis Statement
This is a tribute to the Merrimack River. Over the course of my life the Merrimack River has been ever present as a source of meditation and comfort. I was born and raised in the Merrimack Valley, and lived a block away from the nearest boathouse. I’ve spent a great deal of time with the river and I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight its beauty in the various locations I have been privy to.
However, it is not that simple. Over the course of my studies I have made the mistake of believing I could capture the moment. When you’re all alone near rushing water, it seems a photograph doesn’t own up to its "thousand words" quota. I could not document the self-growth and trials and tribulations that the river has eased from my heart.
After overcoming the burden of trying to capture reality and seeing photographs for the objects they are, my desire to pay tribute to the river led me to an obvious conclusion… add texture. If I cannot capture anything for what it truly is, then I can add in what I deem to be missing. Texture.
By revisiting the photo process, I have engaged in a bit of formal play by introducing textured and stained glass to the post production of these photographs. Through this method, I am able to introduce textures and colors in a way you could not with digital manipulation.
