This years 2014 Sierra Art Trails open studio tour has many talented artists. The Sierra Sun Times will be featuring a sampling of area artists leading up to the show. Check back regularly to see who the next featured artist will be.

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Michael J. Costa
Photography

“For me, art is the ability to see everything for what it truly is, by capturing the imagination and bringing it to life through Photography.”

Fro-Zen was a series of images I began to create in the Fall of the year 2007, as a final project for a course entitled, Concept and Design at the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco. My vision for these images was to freeze things from nature, then photograph the object through its various melting stages, while using only ambient light as my source. The series which seemed to be a simple idea and experimental concept in the beginning has sparked numerous imaginative photographs, in which you see displayed throughout the gallery. “Orchid,” was my first photograph created from this project, followed by the “Leaf,” which I feel to be my signature photograph from the series.

Fro-Zen has been a way for me to use photography to heal some of the personal pain within me. Since I first breathed life into this project three years ago, it definitely has taken on its own meaning and style. Creating these images has helped me to cope with the loss of my parents and loved ones who have passed on in recent years in this journey we call Life. It is a way for me to connect with them spiritually, knowing that their energy surrounds me daily. The work is based on keeping their spirit alive, which is the main reason behind why I created these photographs. These images are a representation of my feelings and the emotions which arise within me during my moments of sadness and loneliness. Fro-Zen has allowed me to explore the world of macro photography and how to construct quiet, peaceful and powerful images, while using the expression of art as my outlet.

With the use of a 50mm macro lens and my Canon Rebel XT digital camera, I was able to create beautiful abstracts images that are filled with light, energy and color. This project creates a mood, sets a tone of how I see and interpret and how I visualize fine art photography. My history in the study of photography began by attending The College of Sequoias, Visalia, Ca, in which I took a traditional black and white photography course, as well as working on the local community college newspaper called, “The Campus.” I graduated with an Associates of Arts Degree in Spring 2005. At the age of 42, after attending and studying the photography program at the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco for the past four years, I have graduated with a Bachelor’s in Fine Art Photography in 2010. Through passion, hard work and training I have prepared myself and developed my techniques and skills as a professional photographer.

For the fourth year in a row, I am happy to announce I will be showing in the Sierra Art Trails open studio tour at the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau located 40637 Highway 41 in Oakhurst. There you will be able to browse through my work and ask questions and learn more about my process. I will have greeting cards, photographs of all sizes matted and framed ready for you take home or give to that special someone. You can find me in the Sierra Art Trails catalog under site #40. I look forward to seeing you on the Art Trails.

Michael can be reached  at his home studio in Oakhurst: Call (559) 799-9632 or email mjcosta67@aol.com.

You can also visit Michael's website at: www.michaeljcostaphotography.com. 

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