ABOUT TERRY SCOPELLITI

Our desire to experience beauty has always been a primal need in society and to express it we have relied upon the arts.

This body of work represents an ongoing project in the classic tradition of nude studies. Influenced by Greek and Roman sculpture, each of these images reaches to explore the grace, exuberance and even oddity of the male form. These stark, edgy and provocative images set against a field of darkness, revealing here/withholding there, are open to numerous possible interpretations.

Through the use of average non-professional models, I strive to embrace the light, line, curves and textures that create what is male. Not perfection but simplistic and sensual. The forms confined in the darkness yet seeming to reach for some escape.

A JACK INTERVIEW WITH TERRY SCOPELLITI

What was your first experience with art?

My first experience with art was a trip to a museum when I was in grade school. I became fascinated with all the beautiful images and set out on a path to learn everything I could so that I could create such images. I began with watercolor paints doing landscapes and abstracts. Then I happened upon a Vogue magazine and was drawn to the images and how they looked so unreal at the same time as being pictures of people. I thought WOW…I want to do that. I immersed myself into those magazines and anything I could learn about photography. My parents got me my first real camera for my birthday and some 30 odd years later I’m still using that camera.

What is your favorite medium & why?

My medium of choice has always been black & white film photography. To me it gives the purist images. Hand processing and printing the images is all a part of creating the final image. Once I learned how to do it, it has been my first love and will be my last love.

What style are you most drawn to? Does it ever change & if so, why?

I have always been drawn to simple graphic images. I don’t like too much going on in my images. The image should tell a story but what that story might be I would prefer the viewer to create.

Have you always been an artist or is this a career change?

I have always been an artist. I think it’s something that is in your blood. For me it is something I can’t stop. Mom said I came out of the womb with a paint brush.

Have you ever taken classes/courses?

I have taken art class for as long as I can remember and continue to do so. There are some many ideas and techniques that there are always new things to learn. Classes started as everyone does in grade school but that wasn’t enough for me, I wanted more. So I attended classes at the local recreation center where I had my first photography class.I went on to obtain my Associates degree in photography from The Art Institute of Atlanta. I still attend classes and lectures whenever possible. I have also taught photography classes and find I learn as much as I teach.

What do you want your art to accomplish or describe?

My goal with my work is to entertain, confuse and beguile my audience. Art works should provoke some reaction or emotion. It doesn’t really matter what the reaction might be, but if the work made a viewer stop and question, giggle or cry then I know I have done my job as an artist.

Art programs are being cut all over the nation in schools - what's your opinion on this?

Art and music are such an important parts of our lives. How our government can cut these programs and grants while they line their own pockets with kick backs makes me crazy. I am not a political person but when overhead coasts come before enlightenment it makes me wonder where we are headed.

Where is your favorite place to create?

My favorite place in the world is a darkroom. The first time I made photographic prints I was captured while the image just seem to materialize on the paper in the water. Yes, now I know all the reasons why that happens and how. But when I’m in the darkroom printing I am still that 13 year old boy staring into the small pool of water giddy with delight as the image comes alive.

Which comes first - the inspiration or the medium?

For me the inspiration comes first. Whether it’s a series of images I want to create to tell a story or just one to capture the curve of a leg or a petal on a flower. Or the thought I can’t get out of my head. These things determine the use of color or black and white or film versus digital formats.

How has your work changed over time?

I see a maturity over the years. Although I hope I haven’t lost the kid in me. My images now come from a happier place simply because I’m a happier person. As I’ve gotten older and learned more about art and life I am more willing to take risks. I know it won’t always work, but what if you never try?

If somebody was standing in front of one of your works, is there anything you'd want to tell them?

One of the hardest things for me is to tell someone what one of my images means. I hope that if someone has taken the time to view my work that an images speaks to them in someway. Question themselves, the world around them or just be open to something they didn’t know before. All are good reason to collect, view and create art.

Do you have a favorite piece you've done?

I have a lot of pieces that I love but if I have to pick one it would be an image of a pink flamingo. It's fun, colorful, calming, cute and peaceful all at the same time. And it makes me smile every time I print it.

Can you draw a perfect circle freehand?

LOL…really? Is there such a thing? What is perfect? I think I will have to answer this as a no. But I can draw a straight line. Wait..nope can’t do that either.