Artist Statement
Photography is my way to communicate the emotions I feel when I am out in the wilderness. To me, nature is more than rocks, trees, rivers and furry things running about; it is a story which tells us who we are, were, or long to be.
It seems to me that people flock to the mountains, deserts and oceans to connect with a deep longing and desire that they feel in the presence of untamed nature, a yearning that is hard to put into words, an almost spiritual connection with these wild places.
I think my work is characterized by vibrant natural colors which are typically found at sunrise or sunset. I feel my work goes beyond what a tourist may typically see. I strive to go out when most people would just stay home and watch TV while waiting for the weather to get better.
It’s in those precious moments when I find myself wandering alone in a forest, field or on a mountain top that I find the rarest moments that not only translate as art, but speak to me emotionally. Those are the moments that show the passion of life in the wilderness. That is what I want to bring into every photograph I make.
Finally, like poetry, my work is not to be interpreted, it is what it is . My photographs are reflections of my emotional response to the scene I am viewing. Therefore I bare my soul through my photography for all to see and feel.
Biography
James H Egbert was born in 1963 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, more exactly, Fort Carson which sits in the area where his family homesteaded in Colorado in the 1800’s. James being an Army Brat took to the road in just a few months to live in the southern area of Germany in Munich. For the next several years James would return to Colorado then leave again on a new adventure courtesy of the US Army.
Finally in 1979 James came back to Colorado where he finished his High School Years before running off again only this time courtesy of the US Navy where he served the next 12 years around the world and learning his craft. James started out working on the flight deck of aircraft carriers before finding his passion in photography and photojournalism. He eventually received his formal training in photography before transiting into the US Navy Reserves where he served out his remaining years to cap a 26 year long career.
James met his wife, Rebecca in Colorado Springs and together they raised their blended family of 5 children. Now as an empty nested couple they are looking to head out again on their own and take in the beautiful scenery that God created and photograph it.
My Inspiration
It may sound cliche that I am inspired by the photographic work of Ansel Adams, but frankly I don’t care because it is true. I even named an old Jeep CJ5 “Ansel” so I guess in that way I am cliche. I have also been inspired by the works of many other well-known and not so well-known artists, some not even known to be photographers. Albert Bierstadt is one who inspires me still, he was a German-American painter best known for his lavish and lofty landscapes of the American West.
"The creative power of God inspires awe. I'm filled with reverent wonder as I contemplate it.
To think that he spoke and worlds came into being! In contrast to God, I work with raw materials that he created.
My creativity is derived from his. I put the wrapping paper and ribbon on his packages.
I praise you, Lord, for your incredible imagination and creativity.
