Finding props in Maine
Studio creation
Preparing for exhibition
My photographic art is linked to my interest and exploration of all things mechanical, how innovation progresses and the application of science.
Bio
Lewis started photographing when he was a teenager and continued through film school. He went on to work as an advertising and editorial photographer where he photographed for international clients like Taylor Wines and General Foods. Lewis’ fine art photographs have been in several museum exhibitions including the Michener and Dow museums as well as in major corporate collections. Even while he did commercial assignments, Lewis always photographed for himself as an expression of a specific vision. He mostly photographed in black and white, and studied with O Winston Link, Joyce Tenneson and many others. Lewis developed an interest in creating images related to science and innovation. He was fortunate to meet prolific inventor and scientist Dr. Edwin Land (CEO Polaroid) which furthered his passion for integrating science into his photographs. Polaroid materials became part of his way of sketching photographically. Eventually, he left the commercial business and photographed extensively for self-expression. He ventured into parallel initiatives such as screenwriting, inventing (he holds three patents) and creating welded metal sculpture. All of these activities influenced his photographs, especially creating sculpture which became immensely important to his growth in creating his still life images.
Lewis’ photographs have been exhibited in galleries and cultural centers internationally, including the Gladstone Regional Museum and Gallery in Queensland, Australia, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa; the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania; the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science in Midland, Michigan; the New York Center for Photographic Arts; the Black Box Gallery in Portland, Oregon; the Courtyard Gallery in Connecticut; and the Grey & Gove Gallery in New York City.
Artist Statement
A photographic artist whose practice explores science, engineering, technology and innovation. My intention is to create work that communicates the importance of the search for truth based on science and how the physical world looks and works. My images engage physics, mechanics and creative thinking that often evokes an innovation process such as in Origami Folds. Origami, the ancient art of Japanese paper folding, has a modern history of being used as a creative tool for engineering feats from rapidly unfolding automobile airbags to heart stents. The series is the foundation for exploration of the simplicity of paper folding to deep technology and mathematics.
Link below to read full artist statement.
SELECTED RECENT EXHIBITIONS
2022
Photolucida Critical Mass 2022 Finalist
Empty Spaces, Abandoned Places, juried by Elizabeth Flinsch, Praxis Photo Arts Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Light and Shadow Magazine featured photographer, May/June 2022, Curated by Tim Anderson
2021
Art + Science 2, juried by Linda Alterwitz, A Smith Gallery, Johnson, Texas
Abstract, juried by Debra Klomp Ching, New York Center for Photographic Arts, New York, New York
2020
Art + Science: Nature and Nurture, Lenscratch Fine Art Daily, Featured Photographer
Nature of Particles, OD Review, reviewed by Collier Brown
The Still Life, juried by Ann Jastrab, Praxis Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota
2019
The Journey, juried by Susan Spiritus, NY Photo Curator, Honorable Mention
Art + Science, juried by Linda Alterwitz, A Smith Gallery, Johnson, Texas
Portals, juried by Ann Jastrab, A Smith Gallery, Johnson, Texas
Intentional Spaces, juried by Laura Moya, PhotoPlace Gallery, Middlebury, Vermont
2018
Origami, The Traditional Art curated by Joanne Duke, Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum, Queensland, Australia
2017
Water Rain and Fog, curated by B.B. Winslow, Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art, Midland, Michigan
Light and Matter, curated by Kelsey Halliday Johnson, James A. Michener Art Museum, Doylestown, Pennsylvania
2014 – 2017
Recent Works by Gallery Artists (a selection of Lewis metal sculptures), Courtyard Gallery, Mystic, Connecticut