(Image: “Seems Like Just Yesterday.............” by Robert Moran)

Robert Moran is a fine art photographer living on the coast of Maine. His interest in photography began at the age of twelve when his parents bought him a Super 8 Movie Camera for Christmas. A few years later, he bought his first SLR camera. After studying art at the University of Maine, Robert started and ran several businesses over the course of twenty years. During that period he found the time to pursue personal photography projects on his trips to Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific. Robert’s most recent undertakings have taken him to Cuba and Antarctica. Hiswork has been shown in galleries and museums across the US, as well as Australia and Europe.

When did you first realize that you were going to be an artist and when did you first start making art?
I've been making art in one form or another as far back as I can remember. I recall sketching a mouse sometime before entering grade school. My parents told me how well I had done and encouraged me to draw more often. But it was really during my freshman year of college that I came to the realization that art would be such an important part of my life.

Who or what inspires you?
Well, I could go on and on because inspiration comes from so many places. Looking at art, visiting new places, listening to music—the list is almost endless. Robert Frank is one of the photographers I admire the most. I met him at an opening in NYC back around 1973. It was then that I began to think seriously about becoming a photographer.

Is (was) anyone else in your family in the arts?
My sister is a talented sculptor but doesn't have much time to devote to it.

(Image: “Hunter Century” – from the RELICS series by Robert Moran)

Are you self-trained or did you go to art school?
I didn't go to art school but I majored in art at a small college. I only took one photography class, so you could say that I'm mostly self-trained.

Is the process of creating your art long or short?
I use a digital camera and do all my processing in my digital (computer) darkroom. The time it takes from start to finished image can vary widely. I can spend hours on a shoot and much more time processing the photo, but there are also many times that I capture an image that I stumble upon, and the processing can go fairly quickly. It's not unusual for me to go back and re-work a photograph several times until I get it right.

Tell us something about your work.
I don't know what to tell you. Take a look at my work. As an old African proverb goes: Seeing is better than being told.

Do you have a subject matter that defines you as an artist?
Not really. I have several bodies of work exploring a variety of subjects.

What makes you stay with a particular subject matter? Why are you drawn to it?
There are many reasons I'm drawn to a particular subject. I'm not a car buff, but I'm working on a series of car portraits called Transport. The images consist of classic cars viewed from behind. Among other things, the bumpers, tail lights and license plates can be very interesting. I isolate the cars from the original background to emphasize their sculptural appearance. When I find a subject that intrigues me—I usually stay with it until I'm I feel it has run its course.

(Image: “Sand Worn Glasses – Timbuktu” by Robert Moran)

How do you stay motivated?
I have never have a problem staying motivated. I set specific goals—that helps.

What have you been working on lately? Are you experimenting with anything new?
I work on several projects at a time. I recently traveled to New Orleans and spent time photographing in the Lower 9th Ward. It's been over 5 years since hurricane Katrina and the ensuing floods destroyed the neighborhoods. Although some areas are slowly staring to recover, the place looks like a war zone. I spoke with several of the residents that either fled the area or stayed and weathered the storm. Most of their neighbors have not returned and many died in their homes. It remains a very sad place. I'm still working on that portfolio. I've recently started shooting still lifes in my studio. I check out flea markets and antique shops for iconic objects and photograph them individually. I'm really happy with the results so far. I'm also currently working on a project I call Vertigo. The subjects are tall structures that I've re-arranged within the frame. I have always suffered from vertigo but for some reason I'm fascinated with watchtowers, billboards, and air traffic control towers, and high places in general.

Has your medium changed from when you first became an artist?
Yes, in my early college years I studied sculpture before turning to photography.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
I would encourage them only if they are passionate about art and are ready to work really hard. Look at all types of art. Go to museums and galleries and spend time viewing and contemplating images that turn you on—and off! Study with accomplished artists if possible. Read art magazines. Art school is worth the investment. And above all, develop your own vision.

(Image: “Mogul Media – New York City” by Robert Moran)

What kind of comment do you despise the most when overheard at one of your openings?
I haven't heard any comments that I despise but "I could do that!"is slightly annoying.

What kind of comment pleases you the most when overheard at one of your openings?
It's not so much a comment. I'm pleased when a viewer really takes their time looking at my photos.

How have you handled the business side of being an artist?
I have a lot of experience running businesses so I use what I have learned over the years. Getting your work out there is very important, and I try to price my work fairly.

Do you have any outside interests other than art?
Sure, lots of interests. I love to travel, especially to third world countries. I also take road trips to remote locations in the U.S and Canada. Live music is very important to me and I frequently attend concerts. I love to read but rarely find enough time. And in the summer I enjoy walking my dog and kayaking on Green Lake with my wife.

Are you disciplined about your creative process (in other words, do you treat the process like a job, where you keep particular hours in the studio), or are you more spontaneous?
Both. I'm very disciplined and often start working as early as 4:30 in the morning. But if I get especially inspired at 8:00 in the evening I'll go back into my studio and work until I'm no longer productive.

(Image: “St. Shotts Woodpile – In the Fog” by Robert Moran)

How would your life change if you were no longer allowed to create art?
I don't know. I'm sure I'd find something else. There are so many things I'd like to do.

What's the best part of being a full time, working artist?
I can't even begin to list them here. There are very few limitations. I can work where I want and when I want.

What's the worst part of being a full time, working artist?
I can't think of anything other than the lack of a regular paycheck.

Do you have any upcoming shows?
I am currently at the Griffin Museum of Photography, Winchester Massachusetts through September 2nd and at the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center September 8th.

Where can we find your work?
I have a studio in Bar Harbor and am always happy to show my work. But please call me first to make an appointment. I'm not there everyday.  You can also see more of my images at www.robertmoran.com.

- Brenda Bonneville, editor

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