Jim O'Keefe
Angularity: A Color Study
Artist Statement
This study explores color resulting from the phenomenon of reflected light from thin-film interference. These photographic images were created from white light reflecting from a thin-film surface. Color variations were produced and captured by alternating the angle from the light source to the surface and the angle of reflection from the surface into a modified camera lens combination. The thickness of the film layers, the light intensity, and the wave lengths of light, all contribute to the resulting unique capture of color spectrum. This interference and the resulting refraction, and varying changes in direction of light waves called dispersion, cause the splitting of white light into its constituent colors. This dispersion produces a vast variety of color combinations.
The title- Angularity, refers to both the recurring theme of juxtaposed geometric shapes, and the tendency of light waves to create color combinations from light reflected within the thin-film surfaces through constructive interference (similar, in-phase, wave lengths), and destructive Interference (dissimilar, out-of-phase, wave lengths). Consequently, the selection of color is entirely a result of this dance.
Observation: Is there a warm color mix (reds through orange and yellows)? Is there a cool color palette (green, blues through violet)? Which color combinations do you prefer? American artist and educator Josef Albers (1888-1976) asserted- all color is relative. That is, relative to the medium, the available light, the adjoining colors, and ultimately relative to you, the observer.
Artist Bio
Jim O’Keefe was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1980, he enlisted for service in the Marine Corps. Some of his assignments included; field artilleryman, drill instructor, water survival instructor, and Marine musician. After completing a B.S. degree in Social Psychology from Park University, he was appointed Drum Major of the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps in Washington, D.C. His final assignment was as the special enlisted advisor of the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support, in Pensacola FL., where he was the military advocate for enlisted education opportunities within the U.S. armed forces. In 2007, upon retiring with over 26 years of active service, he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal. He pursues his passion for the visual arts via photography and videography through studies at Metropolitan Community College, Omaha Nebraska. Jim, and Diane, his wife of 27 years, have one daughter, Lydia.