Bio

   Influenced at an early age by his father and great uncle, John Kiersten is a self taught photographer who began making black & white photographs and developing his own prints in 1989. At an early stage John sought to show the detail and tonality of the fine art black and white print. This led him to begin photographing exclusively in large format, 8x10 & 8x20 cameras and developing his own selective style. Working primarily with the landscape, he has also explored the figure in the landscape, and abstractions.                                                                                                     His work has been shown nationally and in several local venues. His artistic influences range from the Hudson River School painters, to pictorialism, the f64 group, and Paul Caponigro. Living in Florida, NY for many years with his artist wife Patty, John has photographed extensively in the tri-state area. Besides working as a plant manager in New Jersey, John has donated his time to the Appalachian Trail in New York.

Statement

    I am drawn to photograph those moments when form and light combine in a beauty that has meaning for me emotionally as well as aesthetically. In making landscape images I move slowly, visiting sites multiple times getting to know the land and the light. I prefer working in a particular locale/area so that once completed the final image(s) will impart a sense of place through my experiences in relation to the geography and atmosphere.                                                                    For many years I photographed with traditional large format cameras making both silver and hand made platinum prints. Now completely digital I use piezographic archival carbon inks and Hahnemuele cotton rag papers. With these tools I've been able to exceed the quality I require and expand on my expectations in the final print.