ARTIST STATEMENT:
I strive to become "One with the Bamboo" as I photographically capture my subjects' prevailing essence, whether it be landscape, architecture, close-up, or abstract. It is an experience of honoring the mood, beauty, and intrigue that exists before me.
- Catherine Balcom

ART BIOGRAPHY:
Catherine's passion for photography and mathematics began as a child. As a teenager she spent hours "drawing with light" and experimenting in her black-and-white darkroom. She studied fine art, photography, and graphic design, in addition to music, dance, film, writing, philosophy, and the creative-process which deepened her ability to perceive and create in new ways.

Catherine creates images from a variety of subject matter. Many are traditional photographs; others are digitally-modified for a bit of fun. She is attracted to abstract elements in both our surrounding nature and urban settings. She enjoys the richness of color combinations and textures that can be found in our daily world. Patterns of light and shadow as well as odd juxtapositions catch her eye. She routinely see shades and forms before she recognizes the actual object she is viewing. And she can experience cross-sensory perception, i.e., "seeing" sounds and "feeling" visuals.... Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder!

Catherine studied fine arts, photography, motion pictures and graphic design at UCLA. She is a fine-art and commercial photographer, instructor, writer, and marketing consultant who has been published in newspapers, magazines, and websites.

Her photography has been shown in solo and group gallery exhibitions, has been favorably reviewed by art critics, and has been featured on magazine covers. Catherine is a founder and president of the "Photographic & Digital Artists" of the Palos Verdes Art Center as well as a docent for the galleries. She is a past president of SP Arts Association and its Ports O'Call Village Gallery. She promotes art-related events, teaches workshops, and has been invited to jury several art competitions.

CLASSES OFFERED:

• "Elements of a Great Photograph" - Overview of Photography Basics
• "The Art of Seeing" - Composition - Visual Perception
• "The Art of Saying it Visually" - Thematic Expression - Visual Communication
• "Color in Our World" - Color Theory for Photographers
• "Lighting Your Image" - Shooting in Various Lighting Environments
• "The Art of Garden & Nature Photography" – On Site at South Coast Botanic Garden
• "Pix that Get the Clicks" - Real Estate Photos for Website 'Curb-Appeal'
• "Camera Basics" - Film and Digital Explained
• "Photoshop Intro" – Beginner's Tour of Photoshop Basics
• "Local Photo Op's" - Day Outings to Local Spots
• "Activating the Muse" - Motivating the Creative Process
• CONTACT INFO: eMail: Balcom_CL@yahoo.com Phone: 310-281-5530

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