LACDA features the work of photographer Brad Buckman at the Downtown Art Walk May 13

The Los Angeles Center for Digital Art is exhibiting the winners of the 2010 Top 40 Juried Competition from May 13-June 5, 2010. The opening reception for the competition is being held on May 13 from 7-9 PM during the Downtown Art Walk. The competition features the work of photographer Brad Buckman. Buckman is a commercial and fine art photographer whose work has appeared in a number of solo and group exhibitions. This is his first time appearing in the Downtown Art Walk.

Tell me about your photography.

I've always felt compelled to explore, to take a look around. I especially enjoy investigating urban environments and architecture, and I use photography to interpret what I see. Rather than apply a single technique, each photograph I create is born out of a process unique to that image. This includes both manipulations while I'm capturing the original scene before me, along with processing that is inspired by the photo itself. The image guides me, and I'm often surprised by the direction a picture takes. 

How did the opportunity to be involved with the Downtown Art Walk come about?

Just before the deadline, I heard about an international photo competition at the Los Angeles Center for Digital Art (LACDA). I submitted a few photographs and my work was selected to be featured in the exhibit. I was excited because we live downtown at the beginning of Gallery Row, just three blocks away. I've attended a number of receptions here, but this is my first time to participate in the art walk. I passed by the gallery last night and was surprised to see my piece displayed in the window. 

Who are your influences?

Influences ... I'm inspired visually by so much that we have access to today, from contemporary advertising, fashion and fine art photography to the work of old master painters and photographers. The series I'm working on now is not so much influenced by any particular artist, but rather by the desire to experiment and try to show something new. 

What is the meaning/message behind this body of work that you have featured in the Downtown Art Walk?

My goal with this series is to present a different perspective on architecture and the urban landscape. The work is becoming increasingly abstract and I'm really enjoying that exploration. It's challenging in that I will create a process that results in a photograph I strongly respond to, but then I find that the process only works with that particular image. It's more difficult than shooting a series of pictures with a singular style, but I find it much more interesting and rewarding. 

Do you have any other upcoming shows? 

As a matter of fact, on Tuesday we hung eight photographs at Old Bank DVD, also along Gallery Row. These pictures are part of an ongoing series I'm creating in downtown Los Angeles. Also, I've had two solo exhibitions at ArcLight Hollywood, and we're working out the schedule for another show in 2011.

You can see more of Brad’s work at:
http://buckmaneditions.com
http://bradbuckman.com

info@bradbuckman.com
(323) 466-2700

The Downtown Art Walk is a free self-guided tour of the many art exhibition venues in Downtown Los Angeles. It takes place on the second Thursday of every month. This month it takes place on May 13, 2010 from 12-9PM. Visit the Downtown Art Walk’s website for details about specific exhibitions.

The Los Angeles Center for Digital Art (LACDA)
107 W. Fifth St. Los Angeles, CA 90013