ARTIST STATEMENT
I’m a photographer by nature, and I photograph nature mostly. I’m from and reside in Chicago and often walk through the parks here to find peace and sanctuary in the city. Trees bring me comfort, they are consistent and strong. They’ve always been my safe space.
When I was little, and still today, I would find myself spellbound looking through windows out at the world, at nature, but not hearing it. Which brought me peace. I sometimes photograph through windows. Looking through the camera and capturing a vision, helps me hold onto those feelings, keeping nature close to me. Working with wood keeps me close to the trees. I love the feel of it and the smell. Trees bring me home, they connect me to my true self. Putting photography and woodworking together to create windows and views of nature, portals, in a more organic structure, capturing peace, brings it all together for me.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I’m a photographer and a woodworker. I’ve been putting the two works together in different scales to bring the image home to an organic structure. They are mostly wall hangings and some are free-standing.
I print my photography on metallic photo paper, which makes the image more vivid, and I repurpose different scrap woods that I get from furniture builders, guitar makers, and whatever I am fortunate enough to get a hold of. For me, the pieces speak of wonder, whimsy, emotion, beauty, peace, and life’s journey. They reconnect me to my childhood and the trees.
© Wendi Napoli