Florida Artists Group

James' Bio:

I began my career as an educator where I taught high school Sociology and Psychology. Later, graduate work allowed me to work as a School Psychologist in private practice. These vocational experiences combined with world travel contributed to a broad knowledge base of people and cultures. In addition, my educational and professional experiences dovetailed with a life time interest in photography. Subsequently, photographing people and landscapes became my
passion. As my photographic interests progressed, I opened a professional portrait and wedding studio. Working as an educator, psychologist, and photographer continued for a number of years until I retired from the practice of school psychology and moved to Sarasota, Florida while still maintaining a home in the Cleveland, Ohio area.

Due to technology changes in the photography industry, equipment needs changed dramatically from requiring a wet darkroom to needing only a computer and a printer. Further, the equipment I used went from heavy Hasselblad cameras to light weight digital single lens reflex cameras. Currently, I own a small business known as jredmond photography where I feature fine art images of landscapes, seascapes, flora, birds, and macro photography.

Artist Statement:

Although photographing people is very gratifying, I have discovered nature as my medium of choice. The omnipresent aspects of clouds, water, fauna, flora, and geographical formations have infused my consciousness with excitement and awe. Moving into and around the great outdoors continues to inspire me to capture meaningful images that often bring me and others pleasure. Paul Cezanne understood the wonder of nature when he said "Doubtless there are things in nature which have not yet been seen. If an artist discovers them, he opens the way for his successors. Art is in harmony and parallel with nature."

  

Exhibitions

2005—Simply Water—- jredmond photo exhibit-  Ashtabula, Ohio
2012-  Art Scene--jredmond photo exhibit-Pelican Cove, Sarasota, Florida        
2013 - A Photographic Retrospective—jredmond photo exhibit-  Aurora Library, Aurora, Ohio       
2013-  Reminderville Photo Exhibit— Reminderville, Ohio— Second Place, Honorable Mention
2013-  Ringling College of Arts and Design- -Honorable Mention- Longboat Key, Florida
2015-  Ringling College of Arts and Design- - three pieces accepted- Longboat Key, Florida
2015-  Pelican Cove Art Show- -Sarasota, Florida— one piece selected for display in community
2016-  Pelican Cove  Art Show- -Sarasota, Florida— one piece selected for display in community   
2016 - Portage Park Art Show— Five pieces accepted -Kent, Ohio        

Awards Juried Shows

Long Boat Key, FL, Ringling College of Arts and Design 2013
Reminderville, OH 2013
Kent, OH 2016

Education and Training

B.A.    Kent State University———Sociology/Psychology/Political Science
M.Ed.  Kent State University——    Social Science
M.A.    John Carrol University——   School Psychology
Certified Reality Therapist
Bill Stockwell — Certificated Portrait Training
Monte Zucker— Certificated Wedding Training