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Artist Biography: Bryce M. Payne
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Education
MBA, University of Oregon
HBA, HBS, Oregon State University
Artist Portfolio
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Artist Statement
"I think the reality that life is short is what first drove me to photography. At a very early age, I was intrigued by the passage of time and how, with a lens and a camera, I was able to freeze time, to freeze a scene for all time. Even today, time plays a large role in my work, from the spontaneous to the timeless, I continually reinvent time to achieve new levels of creative expression.
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For me, photography is the art of light and my pursuit of this art form has been life long. Whether it be getting up hours before sunrise to capture the crystal calm of Ambleside Lake in Britain's Lake District at first light or capturing the last shades of a sunset, the interplay of lights and shadows and definition and distortion are central to my style.
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A theme that has long fascinated me is the interplay between man and nature. Growing up in the American West, I was surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery. Reflecting once on many of the snapshots of my youth, I was struck by how many scenic images were altered by some symbol of human progress--a series of power lines sweeping across rolling hills of oats, the steel girders of a bridge obstructing the view into a canyon or a dam overpowering a river. In cities, too, I was struck by the complete lack of nature--places so dark not even the weeds in the sidewalk cracks could grow, places where trees and grass and flowers were corralled into designated green spaces and urban parks. Yet, as Thoreau once noted, in wilderness is the preservation of the world. And so began a life of chronicling the interplay--sometimes good, sometimes not--of man and nature.
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When one first begins to travel, every port of call looks, feels and smells completely different. Over time, the sheer novelty of place wears off and, at least for me, an intense interest in scene replaced it. Let me explain what I mean by 'scene.' A place may be gaudy, loud, serene, surreal or a thousand other things. These differences are interesting and their exploration can be very rewarding. Beyond the awareness that "here is different than there," however, the rewards soon wear thin in terms of meaningful discoveries. That is where my focus on scenes comes in. To understand a scene, you have to understand the cadence and ryhthm of life whereever you are. The simple joy of conversation over a cup of espresso shared by a group of old Italian men in their favorite bistro. Or a spontaneous smile on a nervous first date at Cafi du Monde in New Orleans' French Quarter as the sultry sound of a promising jazz musician playing his sax cuts through the hot afternoon air. Scene is about place, but it is so much richer. And, for me, photography is about finding the inspiration in simple scenes. The tempo of modern life is so hectic; I seek to find the small moments that make a difference in people's lives...
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Above all, I seek--through my work--to remind people of the beauty of life and the simplicity of living. If you are looking to streamline your life and are looking for a little inspiration, I invite you to consider adopting one of my prints or other products. Some of my images provide a serious commentary of our civilization and others are whimsical, but all strive to remind people about what is truly important: experiencing life."
-- bryce m. payne, photographer. portland. 2000.
Contact Artist
Artist Portfolio
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Portrait Photography
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