Mary Neely Artist Statement

I’ve been taking photographs nearly my entire life. Almost everywhere I look I see beauty in light, shape, and texture, and want to share it with others through my photos.

I am currently working in both color and black and white photography, abstract and representational. My influences include Henri Cartier-Bresson, whose philosophy of “The Moment” has made a great impression, Man Ray, and Annie Leibovitz. I am tremendously grateful to the late artist Skip Wiese, who provided guidance and encouragement.

I enjoy exhibiting in galleries and online, have instructed photography composition classes, judged art exhibitions, and given presentations on photography. Our beautiful lakefront and wonderful forest preserves are among my inspirations.