17 images Created 5 Mar 2015
Adele Durfee
ARTIST STATEMENT & BIOGRAPHY
Legally blind since infancy, I have become more aware of my surroundings through photography. I notice the beauty of the world around me, and have found a new way of seeing the world. For me, photography is a sudden process of discovery.
As I look through the lens of a camera, I look deeper into a scene, and am able to see beyond what is first evident. I never see broadly. Focusing on one subject in a scene excites me, and I play with an image until it creates an intimate experience and becomes what I am trying to say. My images often incorporate textures, reflections, lines, and layers.
I never considered that I could use what I am able to see to express my inner voice, dancing with the camera until it becomes me. My photographs convey more than words ever could. I can talk about my feelings through the photographs.
I was born in Canton, New York, and moved to Athens, Ohio, when I was four years old. I earned my Bachelor's degree from Ohio University, and decided to stay in the region, where I have enjoyed the small-town life and friendly community.
I began photography classes with the Athens Photographic Project in the fall of 2007, having never explored the art world or the creative process before. I have been an active member of the APP ever since, and recently completed my fifth year of digital classes. I also serve on the board of directors for the APP, as well as The National Alliance on Mental Illness.
In 2010, I received the Mental Health Advocate of the Year award from the 317 Board. I have participated in eight juried APP exhibitions, three VSA Ohio exhibits. I received an Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Grant in 2012 and 2013. I also enjoy being a member of the Calliope Women’s Choir of Athens, Ohio.
Legally blind since infancy, I have become more aware of my surroundings through photography. I notice the beauty of the world around me, and have found a new way of seeing the world. For me, photography is a sudden process of discovery.
As I look through the lens of a camera, I look deeper into a scene, and am able to see beyond what is first evident. I never see broadly. Focusing on one subject in a scene excites me, and I play with an image until it creates an intimate experience and becomes what I am trying to say. My images often incorporate textures, reflections, lines, and layers.
I never considered that I could use what I am able to see to express my inner voice, dancing with the camera until it becomes me. My photographs convey more than words ever could. I can talk about my feelings through the photographs.
I was born in Canton, New York, and moved to Athens, Ohio, when I was four years old. I earned my Bachelor's degree from Ohio University, and decided to stay in the region, where I have enjoyed the small-town life and friendly community.
I began photography classes with the Athens Photographic Project in the fall of 2007, having never explored the art world or the creative process before. I have been an active member of the APP ever since, and recently completed my fifth year of digital classes. I also serve on the board of directors for the APP, as well as The National Alliance on Mental Illness.
In 2010, I received the Mental Health Advocate of the Year award from the 317 Board. I have participated in eight juried APP exhibitions, three VSA Ohio exhibits. I received an Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Grant in 2012 and 2013. I also enjoy being a member of the Calliope Women’s Choir of Athens, Ohio.
