In recent decades digital media has transformed the way we look at the world, and St. Croix artist Donald Diddams is in the vanguard of taking that transformation to the world of art photography.
Using Adobe Photoshop software, he merges different perspectives of the same scene, or maybe the same perspective in different layers, or maybe just adding a textured “painted effect” using the brush tools in the software.
“Digital was the tool to do just what I wanted to do with photography,” Diddams said. “I can show the beauty and mystery of the original object and add or change images.”
Whatever his methods, the result is generally a fascinating and colorful piece of original artwork. He calls the art “photo-impressionism.”
“I have always been fascinated with natural patterns, shapes and colors, and the play of light,” Diddams said. “I see something and get a feeling about what I see. Then I express those feelings.”
Each piece has some ambiguity that may challenge the viewer, he says. He is mindful that there are mysteries in the world and things aren’t always as they first appear.
The images of man-made artifacts, such as a view of Fort Christiansvaern called “Showing Her Age,” suggest life and energy. In the print, one can see actual parts of the yellow fort with abstract red doors and green shuttered windows. “Portrait of a Sweetie” is almost the exact photo image of a pineapple, but the rough texture of the skin is softened, and the leaves are textured not smooth.
Diddams began taking photographs when he was 12 years old. When he was in his 20s, he lugged a heavy medium-format camera, tripod, tent, sleeping bag and other equipment through the mountains and along the shoreline of the Olympic peninsula in Washington state.
“Some of the images from that trip are still on my walls today,” Diddams says.
Diddams’ involvement in the arts was interrupted by the demands of a professional career in government finance. In 1999, he ended that career and he and his wife, Sue Ladwig Diddams, headed south from Wisconsin to the Caribbean. After sailing the Caribbean for several years, they moved ashore on St. Croix.
The photographer has always loved color, and the colors and quality of light in the Caribbean have inspired him and caused his work to blossom.
“On St. Croix there is a large community of artists and a lot of support of galleries,” Diddams says.
He held his first show last June at Maufe Gallery on Company Street in Christiansted.
The second exhibit of his work opened Saturday at Maufe. He called it the “Visit of the Happy Fish,” with the subtext of a “celebration of the mystery and energy in nature’s forms, colors and textures.”
The 21 original photos for this show were taken on St. Croix in 2008 and 2009. The framed prints were matted using archival acid-free materials, and should be fade-resistant for decades. The prints were printed by the artist using archival pigmented inks on Epson premium photo luster paper. Sizes range from 5 inches by 7 inches to the 12-by-15 inch “Showing Her Age” print. Edition sizes are small to assure the uniqueness of the print. Limited-edition prints are accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity.
Close to 100 people attended the opening of the show Saturday. Diddams said he was pleased with the response to the works, with people demonstrating an interest in his unique form of art.
“I’m an artist and I’m real picky about artwork,” Christie Powers said at the show. “I could live with those prints. I like the dynamic — vivid colors.”
The works are on display until Aug. 9, and a private showing can be arranged by calling 719-4377. To view the prints, go to www.donalddiddams.com.
“I would like to develop my art more and in some way make it my next career,” Diddams says. “I want to show it too – it is frustrating if it just stays on the computer.”
