Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanne Chase-Mattillo.
Joanne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my journey into photography in 1990. What inspired me to pursue photography was the beautiful natural settings that surround Los Angeles; including, the over 40 miles of the Santa Monica Mountains, beaches, and many locals trails and parks. With novice enthusiasm, I began leading public photo walks at Franklin Canyon Park in the zip code of 90210 and later also at King Gillette Park in Calabasas as a docent for the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Also, this artist has always been fascinated with the photography of Hollywood; such as George Hurrell who used the finest lighting and skills to create classic portraiture of cinema stars. Initially photographing scenes from older public domain movies, I have now had more opportunities to capture images of female and male subjects often utilizing designers, MUAs, and lighting to create my own interpretation of classic Hollywood imagery. Capturing a scene or subject with the camera is only the beginning of this photographer’s process. Though I began as a film photographer, I now use digital technology. This has opened opportunities to create double exposures, to establish new environments to place photographer’s subjects into. I have frequently used technology to create 3D anaglyph imagery to be viewed with red/cyan lenses. I also create short stop action videos from still photographs. Recently, I have been able to more easily create photo montages using AI through the latest Adobe Photoshop Apps.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No one tells you to be an artist. It is a choice that is a gift and can inspire. However, you are always putting your work out to be seen which can bring forth positive and less than desired feedback. Even your best work may not meet a curators’s vision and this is at times frustrating and disappointing. Yet, the ability to create artwork is such a gift, I have to move continually forward and cannot give my power away to the views of others. Photography has presented enough inspiration in life that I will continue to enhance skills and will keep searching for ways to be the finest artist I can be. This is a joy I choose not to surrender.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
One of my artistic goals has been to explore alternatives to bring the 2D image into other realms beyond the single still image. This has included creating vintage style anaglyphs through Adobe Photoshop where the images pop out when viewed with red/cyan 3D glasses. Infrared film and utilizing a converted infrared camera to capture nature and architecture through thermal imagery, I also utilize to create beautiful surreal images.. I have digitally used multiple photographs of subjects to create stop action and animated videos which can be viewed on YouTube on The Video Art of Joanne Chase-Mattillo Channel. In addition, to these techniques I frequently combine still photographers placed together into a single wide image to replicate a strip of cinema style film. Where when using film, I would in the darkroom sandwich images. Upon embracing digital technology I was more easily able to accomplish this same process using layers in Photoshop. Now when I want to establish a more elaborate background I also apply AI to generate fantasy worlds for the subject of my photography to dwell in. Lately through utilizing HDR and shadows and light, I also digitally paint the photographs.. If I was to declare what I specialize in, it is utilizing the latest technologies to bring my art beyond the still traditional photograph. while using these latest advancements to also create classic style vintage imagery.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am very grateful to live in Los Angeles where the art community is vast and there are so many opportunities for photographers to meet and work together. The endless summers extending into fall and winter in Southern California offer continuous days and nights to shoot imagery in pleasant weather. I have known artists who have continue to create into their 90s. It is my hope that scenario will be my story..
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joannechasemattillo.com
- Instagram: @Joannemattillo
- Facebook: @Joannemattillo
- Youtube: The Video Art of Joanne Chase-Mattillo
