Doug works primarily with photography and his art can often be seen at various venues at the Third Thursday Art Walk in downtown Modesto each month.
RTR: What mediums do you work with and for how long have you been using them?
DH: Digital Photography. I started with a pinhole camera. I enjoyed it so much I built a dark room and bought a medium format camera. I have used large and 35 mm formats.
RTR: What is your perspective as an artist? What are you trying to say?
DH: I have an elective message. I want my art to move people. A lot of people are creeped out by some of my art. I view this as a success because their mind had to go somewhere to come up with that reaction. I have had customer tell me how sad a piece is and then they come back and buy it. People want to be moved.
RTR: Who are your influences?
DH: My Grandmother is my main influence. She used to take me with her when she would paint. I spent many hours playing alongside a dirt road while she painted. My early work reflects this. My Uncle Mike Black influenced me technically. I do not know how many times I asked him to explain f stop to me. He would comment on my early work He would say that it was not very sharp. I never know what he was talking about until I started producing sharp photographs. The difference between my early work and now is fantastic.
RTR: What are your thoughts on the arts and culture scene in the county?
DH: There has never been a better time to be an artist. There are many places to show your work including The State Theater and The Photographers Gallery. That’s just to name a few, but there are plenty more.
RTR: What people should know about you?
DH: I don't put up with lame criticism from other artists. Artists are fond of saying things like “I would have done this” or “I would have done that”. I say do it and shut up. This is especially true when they critique a beginner or someone who has but themselves out there for the first time. Criticism is good, but its goal should be to inspire and instruct without pretense.
RTR: Final Thoughts?
DH: Art is work, and like all things, perseverance pays off.
