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I
was born on the 6th of August, 1973 in Dallas, Texas,
the day of Transfiguration. Shortly after this we
moved to Kansas City, Missouri. Art was encouraged
from a young age, and I had a defining moment when
exposed to René Magritte in grade school through
a program where the Nelson
Atkins Museum brought prints for us to see and
discuss. The particular work was "The
Unexpected Answer." This piece, as well as
the rest of his creations, still hold the mystery
and simplicity they did for me so many years ago,
and shaped my future as an artist.
At
14, I moved to Houston, and was exposed to the Menil
Collection, where I finally got to see the work
of several leading Surrealists firsthand, including
Magritte. Also, I had a couple of incredible art teachers
through high school who helped me form my skills.
After graduation I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where
I now reside.
In
1995, I was privileged to be apprenticed by Deano
Cook of Psycho
Tattoo. I spent 11 years at the shop, and the
training I went through was invaluable. Deano's interest
in photography helped lead me to an interest of my
own.
In
2001, I caught Sir Elton John's photography exhibit
entitled "Chorus of Light: Photographs from the
Sir Elton John Collection," at the High
Museum in Atlanta. One photographer in particular
caught my eye, Adam
Fuss. His inspiration lead to me experimenting
with photograms and eventually pinhole photography,
and unveiled an interest in antique photography as
well. This experimentation ultimately brought me to
digital art, a technology that allowed me to create
artwork I had never been able to express on skin,
paper or canvas.
My
work is a product of my imagination, many influences,
and several environments. I hope it instills a little
bit of the magic I have found in others...
Jeffrey
Micheal Harp, 2006 |
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