About The Artist
Phillip Hamilton
Discovering photography around the age of 6 when my parents had Nikon’s and Olympus film camera’s laying around the house in the 80s, getting film developed at Walgreens in the 90s and dabbling throughout my high-school years in the early 2000s, it wasn’t until my Sophomore year in college at the University of North Texas where my interest increased for photography after being praised by my professor and urged me to hone my skills while working on a photography/videography assignment for a local news station. Years later, as an entrepreneur, small business owner and recording artist, I never looked at photography as a passion, but rather something I knew how to do and supplemented as a skill in my other business ventures.
Now, I have an entirely difference outlook on photography and the joy it brings. In a world where craft is associated with. attention-span and how quickly things can be produced, photography has allowed me to appreciate, even more as an artist, the ability to be present; to slow down, and simply “be”. Be in the moment, enjoy the feelings of that moment and realizing how special it is to look back at a still-image that captures a memory and feeling that can only be detailed by you and others whom you’re luckily enough to experience them with.
Artist Statement
My work explores the relationship between spirit and landscape through photography and the interconnection between the two. I personally feel extremely connected with nature, and more specifically, trees. Its known that nature provides healing qualities to our spirits; humans, animals, etc., nature is at the source of it all. The simplicity nature provides, the peace, joy, clarity, alleviation, however, what if our energy also provides the same to nature? What if our presence, in the midst of an ever-changing world, constant construction and building that never seems to be enough, what if our calm, relaxing, respectful and appreciative presence provides healing to a powerful source that cannot speak. Nature is spiritual for me, a dwelling area, where I feel Gods presence stronger even more than I do on a daily bases. My work explores that feeling, not always in “epic” places, but at times, in everyday life where one might take for granted.
My work delves into the profound connection between spirit and landscape, captured through the lens of photography, emphasizing the intricate bond that exists between the two. I feel an intense and personal connection to nature, particularly to the majestic presence of trees. It is widely recognized that nature possesses remarkable healing qualities that nurture our spirits affecting not only humans but all living creatures. Nature stands as the essence of life itself – a sacred sanctuary.
Within the embrace of nature, we find simplicity that calms the mind, a tranquil peace that soothes the soul, joyful moments that uplift our spirits, and the clarity that guides our thoughts. Yet, I can’t help but ponder: what if our own energy serves as a source of healing for the natural world? In a landscape dominated by relentless construction and a perpetual desire for more, what if our calm, relaxed, respectful, and appreciative presence can nurture and rejuvenate a powerful force that remains voiceless?
For me, nature is more than just the environment; it is a spiritual haven, a place where I feel the presence of God with an intensity that often surpasses the immense presence I experience on a daily basis. My work seeks to capture this deep-seated feeling, not only beautiful locations, but also in the ordinary, overlooked moments of daily life; those simple scenes that often go unnoticed, yet hold profound beauty and significance.