Abstract Photography
by Charlann Meluso
As a street photographer, my never-ending quest for unique and original abstract images always leads me to random patterns of texture, shapes, lines and color found on walls and other surfaces. Once they have captured my eye, I begin my photographic journey. Stimulated by what I have discovered,
I feel an insatiable urge to turn the image or a portion of it into a work of art in its own right.
Hanging by a Thread
Liberty
An abstract photograph, by nature, is the essence of the subject matter, not
necessarily the literal view. The end result is the culmination of intense scrutiny of the photographer who “finds” or “discovers” something in the ordinary. My love of artistic composition and design has an overwhelming effect on how I choose my subject matter and what becomes of it after capture. I may labor for hours or discard an image immediately if it is not to my satisfaction.
Storm Approaching
Emergence of Endearment
The abstract images in my portfolio are diverse. The majority of them are created from natural occurrences, such as rust, decomposition, erosion, scaling and flaking paint on surfaces. Others are created by the hand of man. Nevertheless, each image bears its own identity and has its own beauty
and appeal. It is those images that excite me the most…the accidental, randomness of the elements of art amassed on a visible surface…the obvious “unidentifiable” subject matter which holds the viewer’s interest and piques his curiosity.
What I see and capture must satisfy both my eye and my soul and also have a visual impact that will evoke a feeling or reaction within the viewer with whom I strive to have a similar connection. Since my photographs are conceived with the notion to be seen, pondered and enjoyed, the emotional connection with the observer completes the intent of my artistry.
- Charlann Meluso
Charlann’s career began with the study of Fine Art and Art Education at JCSC in 1970. Upon completion of her Master’s Degree at Kean University, she began teaching Art in the Bayonne School District while creating and producing her own individual artwork. Her early works were based in Commercial Art and Design.
For the last two decades, Charlann has focused on Photo Art and Digital Photography. During this time she exhibited her work in numerous juried shows and participated in local, national and international competitions enjoying much success. To date, Charlann has received 70+ awards for her efforts.
In June of 2014, Charlann retired from teaching after 40 years of service to pursue her Photo Art and Photography full time and continue exhibiting her work. On average, she participates in approximately 30-40 photography and art exhibits annually. She has also juried and curated a number of art/photography exhibits over the past several years.
Charlann’s memberships and affiliations include:
NJ Photography Forum; Art Educators of New Jersey; Visual Arts Center, Summit NJ; Watchung Arts Center; Art Circle of Bayonne; Discover Jersey Arts/ArtPride New Jersey Foundation; Hudson Artists of NJ; Contemporary Art Group; ProArts Jersey City
Charlann Meluso
Berkeley Heights, NJ