ABOUT TOM KEY
Tom is an avid traveler, leaving for business and pleasure whenever he can. He routinely takes at least one international trip a year. Over his career he has taken numerous trips to Asia, Europe and South America. Tom will almost always have a camera with him, taking at least a few photographs everyday.
Tom Key grew up in an artistic household; his father is a painter and his sister an illustrator. Like his father, Tom is a self-taught artist, learning composition and style from his surroundings.
His daughter Stewart is also a promising young artist -
Tom Key
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
To me, photography is a medium for recording and interpreting meaningful scenes and natural spaces, particularly those that I will probably never see again. I prefer black and white photography to emphasize composition and mood, allowing the viewer to add his or her own “color.” I have concentrated on ordinary subjects, but not obvious shots.
I use traditional film as well as digital cameras, including a 50-year old Hasselblad, a 1950’s Nikon Rangefinder, a Nikon N8008, and a Nikon D90.
My work is not reflective of any particular theme, but many of my best photographs are taken in a fleeting manner, wherever and whenever. “Spontaneous Photography” would best describe my work. For me, photography involves encapsulating an atmosphere but also solving compositional problems, linking form and content. I use simple equipment and simple developing, but work for unique results. To quote my favorite photographer, Andre Kertesz, “Photography must be realistic.”
Galleries
Collections
Television
Books
Since 2001, Tom has been represented by numerous galleries in California, Colorado, Connecticut, New York City and Atlanta. Including a few solo shows and one family show.
A variety of corporate and individual collections.
Photographs were featured in a TBS Documentary – Flying Doctor’s and the Children of Cachura [2001]
Currently writing and photographing numerous coffee table books, including:
A Book About Chickens - Or How Obliged I’d Be If You’d Pin This on Your White Meat
Runaway Truck Ramps of the Southeast
A Brief Study of Toilets and Poorly Placed Paper Dispensers
Leave it to Cleavage - Just Enough to cover the Subject
The Encantadas - A Visit to the Galapagos Islands
FOR DESIGNERS & CONSULTANTS
To help you and your clients, I have photographs on a variety of subjects, including:
Airplanes, Atlanta, Beijing, Boston, Bridges, Chairs & Seats, Children, Coca-Cola, Fish, Georgia Coast & Florida Coasts, Grand Central Station, The Guggenheim, Letters & Numbers, Machu Picchu, New York City, Peru, Radio City Music Hall, Scotland, Shanghai, Signs & Billboards, St. Augustine, FL
Commissioned work is encouraged. Please contact to discuss.