Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Lund.
Jeff, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I started taking pictures when I was 15 or 16 and really didn’t have a concept of where it would lead me. Pursuing the avenue of traditional “street” photography I used photography to see the world (or at least that very limited part of it that I was in at the time) in a different way. Bear in mind this was 50 years ago and not everyone had a good quality camera in their pocket. Our creative paths can go in many directions and my path has covered the spectrum from direct recording of my environment to representational abstraction. My current work reflects on media images in our culture and environment.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m not a “message” guy but I do believe that the viewer is an integral part of the creative process or equation. Beauty comes in many forms. I’ve always believed that people are attracted to beauty and as such are more apt to reflect on (even very challenging) work that has some form of beauty. Now, some may argue that Andy Warhol’s “Death and Disaster” series of paintings are not beautiful. They were no doubt shocking when they were first done but there is a strange beauty to them that causes me to spend time with them and reflect when I see them. Same thing with regard to anything that Jackson Pollock did.
My work varies depending on the series or body of work; My most current work is images that are taken (out of context) from old television and movies. As such they reflect on our culture or at least the culture that I grew up in. The images are touchstones to a different time but resonate today. In addition to that work, I am photographing the continual changes in the city of Los Angeles and the media images that contribute the culture. I find the city stimulating and always fun and exhausting to visit and document.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
I’ve only known a few artists over the years who make a continuous income from their artwork. As such, there is a culture of people out there making art because they have the creative impulse but have to work “real” job to make a living. My advice to artists; Keep working on your art if you have the creative impulse. It waxes and wanes but consider it a gift from the universe. I was fortunate to have great art and music teachers from grade school on through college. I learned that arts education is a gift as is the impulse to make things. I’ve worked many jobs through the years but my one constant has been that impulse to make images.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I currently do not have gallery representation. My work can be seen at www.jefflundportfolio.com and I can be followed on Instagram Mr.Jefflund any interest in purchasing prints can be sent through my website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jefflundportfolio.com
- Instagram: mr.jefflund
Image Credit:
Jeff Lund
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