Featured Artist Astrid Harrisson

Photographer  Astrid Harrisson captures the power, grace and beauty of animals , producing unique perspectives that engage the viewer. See more of this artist’s beautiful imagery by visiting her website.

 

 

My story is about passion, of realising a dream and staying true to my childhood self. Infatuated with all things “cowboy”–thundering hooves, wild mustangs and freedom–I grew up inspired by a mother whose teenage years were spent roving Wyoming’s infamous Tetons on horseback; frivolous days with wind in hair and sun on cheek. She went on to work for a London photographic library and was never without a camera.

 

 

I believe these influences lie at the root of my unquenchable thirst for studying horses and the cultures within which they subsist.

 

 

In 2007 I lived in Argentina as a photographer. Camera in one hand, reins in the other, it was high amongst the sierras that I found serendipity–freedom, nature and horses.

 

 

I worked on a self-published coffee table book for the estancia before returning to the United Kingdom, where I met Tamsin Pickeral, a British author with whom I created a series of photographic books, The Majesty of the Horse being the first and foremost. Published by Harper Collins (UK) in 2012, the book includes over 70 of the world’s rarest and most important breeds of horse.

 

 

Spending a year on the road, photographing horses and meeting horse people, gave me time to develop my photographic skills as well as to produce a substantial body of work. A huge portion of my time is now dedicated to the “digital arts” and I am grateful for my graphic design background and education which took place on the cusp of the digital era.

 

 

In addition to the world of the horse, wildlife and its conservation is a topic deep-rooted in my DNA. Thoughts turn to the world our children will inherit and it seems critical to leave a legacy that helps preserve the incredible world in which we live. Raising awareness and giving inspiration through my creative output is something I value highly and feel is within my reach.

 

 

Photography is the gateway that gives me the chance to fulfill this. I am grateful for the myriad opportunities I have had to witness so many contrasting cultures, each interwoven with common melodies of passion for animals–in particular for the spirited species that is the horse.

 

 

I am currently developing an ongoing series entitled Profiles – Expressions From The Animal World. This is filled with imagery of animals, both wild and domesticated, shot largely from a sideways or obscure perspective and processed to a monochromatic finish. To date, I have produced several works as photogravure etchings, yet predominantly print my images using archival inks and papers.

 

 

My monochromatic style aims to draw the viewer in, encouraging a level of intimacy one might expect from a one-to-one encounter. When behind the camera, I am focused upon what is important in that moment, be it the essence of the species or the character of the individual animal.

 

 

My overall commitment is to producing engaging photography of the animal world in a fresh and creative way through distinctive imagery that is refined, artistic and representative.

 

Artist Astrid Harrisson invites you to follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

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