Stoked
Gary Irving gives us his arresting imagery, that occupies the unique space between the real and the digitally fantastic:
“I am a multimedia artist with a studio here in Santa Cruz. I create highly stylized narrative photo-composites, using Photoshop to combine subjects from different frames within a background to create a story in the manner of a painter. This originally developed for a commissioned calendar project for the Santa Cruz Derby Girls, and I have now used this style on four other distinct series: Santa Cruz Skateboard Legends, Surf Apocalypse, Zombieland, and Dark Portraits. I have several new series in the works, one of which will be released in September, showcasing the Deadly Sins relating to human impact on the Earth.”
“Having grown up in a small Welsh town, called Swansea, I moved to Santa Cruz in 1994 and have since been establishing myself as a visual artist working in digital medium in Central California. Originally interested in drawing and painting, I incorporated photography into my practice for source material and to document his work. Eventually, my interest in photography outgrew my love of paint and I immersed myself fully in the pursuit of mastering his technique.”
“Toward this end, I have studied studio lighting, digital photography, and editing techniques to make the most compelling final composition. As an artist, however, I am much more interested in the creative process and in working with people than with technology or technical details. Working with friends and models, I invite people to inhabit creative roles and the work is charged with collaborative energy.”
A Long Day Ahead
View more of Gary’s work on his website and on Instagram. Check out his upcoming show, First Friday September 1st from 6 to 9 pm, 1010 Fair Ave, Suite K, Santa Cruz CA.
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