For Brian photography is an escape, a way to explore the world, studying every detail of the simple things. It gives him an opportunity to find beauty in unexpected places and in all walks of life. It forces him to challenge and push the bounds of his comfort zone, enabling him to grow as a person and as an artist. Over the years he has explored a wide range of photographic narratives while remaining loyal to his black and white roots
Brian has had a number of notable accomplishments which include a few international contests, features in publications, art shows, galleries, and large commissioned projects. These accomplishments only help fuel the fire that keeps him going.
PROJECTS
Gratitude Portrait Series Part 2 | Pennsylvania | 2018
Resulting from the success of the Gratitude Portrait Series Part 1, I was commissioned by Caron, a treatment center in Pennsylvania, to create unique photographs that represent the idea of gratitude in recovery. I interviewed alumni about their experience with gratitude and recovery. Based on these interviews, I imagined a creative concept that represented their feelings. These photographs are on permanent display at the Neag Medical Center in Wernersville Pennsylvania.
Gratitude Portrait Series Part 1 | South Florida | 2017
Commissioned by Caron Renaissance, a treatment center in South Florida, to create unique photographs that represent the idea of gratitude in recovery. I interviewed alumni about their feelings on gratitude. Based on these interviews, I formulated a creative concept that represented their thoughts. These photographs were displayed at their annual dinner event and have since been introduced as the featured art in their new medical facility.
90’s 3d Mashup | South Florida | 2017
In the spirit of exploring new and unique ideas in photography I set out to use create this series using only techniques available in the 90’s. I played VHS tapes from popular 90’s movies on a CRT TV photographing the most notable scenes using a 35 mm film camera. I also photographed everyday scenes from the local area. Using a knife and tape I mashed the two scenes together. I separated the cyan and magenta colors creating a classing 90’s 3d image. Each composition includes 3d glasses.
Halloween Special | South Florida | 2017
I set out to create haunting images of possible ghost sightings. I photographed a number of subjects in creepy locations using long exposure techniques to give the illusion of a ghostly presence. In order to immerse the audience in the experience, these photos were introduced through a series of scary videos that set the stage for the haunting story behind the photograph and depicted the initial encounter with the ghost.
Love is | South Florida | 2016
Photographed raw cow hearts on various types of backgrounds such as ice, black cloth, butcher’s paper etc., to evoke reflection in the audience. The title of each photo in this Valentine’s Day themed project was “Love Is…,” leaving it up to the audience to finish the title – for example, “love is cold.”
BARE USA | Nationwide | 2014 – Present
A photography project that delves into studies of natural beauty in contrast with man-made decay by photographing nude models in abandoned locations across the United States. I am solely responsible for all aspects of this project: coordinating with models, researching location, executing shoots, editing and producing final images, and arranging art shows, sales, marketing, and fundraising.
CONTESTS/AWARDS
Tedds Art Works | South Florida | 2017
Won first place and a cash award in “The Naughty Show” for an image from the BARE USA collection.
Black & White Mag Portfolio Contest | International | 2015
Merit winner for the 2015 portfolio contest for images from my BARE USA project, earning me a two-page spread in the 2015 special-edition portfolio issue of Black and White Magazine.
Grand Prix de la Decouverte | International | 2013
Recipient of the Juror Award of Merit in the street photography/documentary category of the Grand Prix de la Decouverte International Photography Contest for my image titled “Venice Beach Study.” The image caught the silhouette of a street performer as his partner flipped him in the air on the boardwalk of Venice Beach, California.
Capture the Unknown | Nationwide | 2012 – 2013
One of four grand prize winners earning over $30,000 in a nationwide photography contest by Marlboro. The challenge was to “Capture the Unknown” through a submission of up to twenty photographs. I chose to dive into the unknown myself by traveling through Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, capturing many interesting and thought-provoking images.
PUBLICATIONS
West Palm Beach Magazine | South Florida | April 2017
A featured artist earning an interview from the arts and entertainment writer and former journalist for Rolling Stone Magazine, Sandra Schulman, resulting in a full article on my photography and photography-based art installations.
Daily Mail | United Kingdom | January 2016
Interviewed and featured in one of the United Kingdom’s largest publications for my project BARE USA.
Scene 360 | International | March 2015
Interviewed and featured in a front-page spread for Scene 360’s prestigious “Illusions” online fine art publication.
VOLO | International Print | March 2015
A featured photographer with a four-page spread in VOLO magazine, America’s number one nude art magazine. The spread focused on a photo shoot I did at the Cotton Belt Depot in St Louis, MO.
Miami New Times Miami | Print / Online | May 2014
A story in the Miami New Times online magazine focused on my nationwide photography project, BARE USA. The story discussed the vision of the project and included a number of featured images.
Art Hive Magazine | South Florida Print | Nov/Dec 2013
Featured as the “Artist of the Month” in the 2013 November-December issue of Art Hive Magazine. The feature included a brief interview and various photos from my fine art collection.
EXHIBITIONS/INSTALLATIONS
Gratitude Portrait Series | Neag Medical Center Wernersville, PA | 2018 – Present
I have 12 photographs from the entire Gratitude Portrait series permanently installed in the Neag Medical Center in Wernersville Pennsylvania. These images now serve as a source of inspiration and comfort for those who are detoxing from drugs and alcohol, showing them the beauty that is possible in long term recovery.
ART Synergy at Art Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | January 2018
“Art Palm Beach” is Palm Beach County’s answer to Miami’s Art Basil and as such has become one of the most anticipated art venues in the area. I showed my work under the representation of ART Synergy. The work was hand-selected by a panel of judges.
Gratitude Dinner | Delray Beach, FL | November 2017
Displayed 12 photographs from the “What is Gratitude” series at a fundraiser event held by Caron Renaissance. My images were integrated into a performance by “The Silhouettes,” seen on America’s Got Talent. A large number of images were sold and raffled off, benefiting the Save A Life Foundation. The photos will be a permanent fixture in Caron’s new medical facility in Pennsylvania and also offered at Caron’s New York City Gala.
The Box Gallery | West Palm Beach, FL | October 2017 – Present
Used antique View Masters for an installation as a creative solution to showing my black and white photography work. My photographs were printed on custom-made View Master reels. The View Masters sat atop an illuminated pedestal that acted as a light source for optimal viewing.
The Heart Show | Delray Beach, FL | February 2017
An annual event to promote awareness of the healing power of creative expression. I sold two pieces of my work, helping to raise funds for the organization Healing Through Expressive Art.
Cornell Museum | Delray Beach, FL | June 2016
I created an interactive display for my BARE USA images. Using old shelving and some 3D images, I produced an installation that pulled the audience into the world of exploration, immersing them in my work.
ART Synergy at Art Boca Raton | Boca Raton, FL | April 2016
“Art Boca” is one of Palm Beach County’s most prestigious art shows. I displayed my work with the representation of ART Synergy. The work was hand-selected by a panel of judges.
Indie Gogo / Kickstarter | International | Online 2014 – 2015
Ran successful Indie Gogo and Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns that raised over $20,000 in total for the purpose of completing the BARE USA project.
Nude Nite | Orlando / Tampa / Miami, FL | 2014 – Present
Upon invitation, displayed and sold my work at the world-renowned “Nude Nite” art shows. These three-day events attract thousands of spectators and hundreds of artists interested in the general subject of nude art.
Miami Photo Salon / Art Basel | Miami, FL | Dec 2014
Awarded the honor of participating in the “Miami Photo Salon” exhibition, which took place in downtown Miami during the world-famous Art Basel event.
BARRE ++ | Boca Raton, FL | May 2014
An exhibition for my BARE USA project at a popular women’s yoga studio.
EDUCATION
University of Maine | Orono, ME | 2001-2006
Bachelor’s degree in New Media
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a Concentration in Advertising
Westerdals School of Communications | Oslo, Norway | 2006-2008
Art Direction in Advertising Studies
Skiringssal folkehøyskole | Sandefjord, Norway | 2000-2001
Film and Video Studies