Maureen Gates

Artist Statement

Photography has been my life's work. I create photographs every day, some to create income and some to capture the beauty and joy of everyday life. From visions in my mind that lead me to create an image to illustrate it. In moments of walking down the street or hiking in the woods, I observe the light, shadows and details that aren't always noticeable to everyone. I "see" things and have "visions" which lead me to create photographic art. With an eye for detail, I have created many works for my clients. Sometimes, I plan field shoots with tripod in hand and head out to seek what beauty nature has to offer, such as moonrise, sunrise and sunsets. Heading out to off the beaten path locations is where I find treasures for the eye. These practices give me peace and comfort to create in times of turmoil.

The past decade of political turmoil in our country has inspired me to create works to spotlight social plight and rebellion. Women's rights have been trampled upon. Legal systems are broken, letting the rich go free of heinous crimes in plain sight and the checks and balances are not checked but ignored. I am deeply outraged at the multitude of Executive orders that are changing the fabric of our country. Not that we have ever been a perfect country, but most of my life, I have been proud to be an American. Now, I am horrified at the level of violence, sexual assault, money laundering, sex trafficking, and more perpetrated by our own government. So much it is overwhelming.... let's get back to peace and freedom.