Michael Conner studies the intersection of nature and humanity, revealing haunting, delicate and complex forms beneath the surface of our own environment depicted in his newest collection of digital photography.  Technically, the photographic images have not been altered except for the mirroring of original compositions to create surreal representations of the human face and figure, animals and scenery.

Conner takes the adage, “Art Imitates Life” to heightened surreal expression; the often-eery faces of nature evoke emotional introspection about the ever-present dichotomy between the turbulence of our times and the grace and beauty of the earth.  The juxtaposition of seemingly innocuous details creatively arranged by composition forms chilling human expression from the point of view of Conner’s lens.

Michael Conner’s portfolio of fine art paintings and drawings features a variety of mediums including oil, pastel, graphite and polymer prints. He currently specializes in composite imagery derived from digital photography, a craft that has brought his art full circle, according to Conner.

“The art I have been creating over the last 20 years, the oil paintings, the prints and even photography, were really just the beginning for me,” said Conner, who describes this latest digital photography technique as a journey born from love.  “The nature is speaking to me in ways I had never heard before.”

Which explains the mirror effect that is prevalent in his works today. Conner: “At first I looked at the trees, but didn’t really see what I see now.  When I observe more closely, the trees in their infinite wisdom look back at me as if to say, ‘I’ve been here for a long time, even longer than you.’ Now I can see the reflection of love and that is what my camera lens captures.”

The images, themselves, become a visual preservation of nature; and, Conner hopes they can inspire viewers to acquire a deeper appreciation that the purest natural environment even exists.

Conner’s studio is located in Scottsdale, Arizona and his artwork has been featured in galleries throughout the Southwest. While he hasn’t found a gallery to host his newest collection yet, Conner has made his images available online.

by Snowden Bishop, Editor-in-Chief