Curated Photography: Painting with a Camera, John Oldfield

 

"Welcome to this curated selection from my father, John Oldfield's, "Painting with a Camera" series. As his son, I'm honored to share this unique body of work, which truly captures his incredible ability to find beauty in the simplest of things. This series, where everyday objects like eggshells and matchsticks become captivating subjects, reflects his belief that visual wonder is all around us. I've carefully chosen these photographs to showcase the essence of his vision, and I'm excited for you to experience this intimate perspective. Stay tuned for the upcoming launch of this special collection". Jordan Oldfield 



 

John Oldfield

BIO

"From his early studies in art in Manchester, John embarked on a remarkable career as an art director and creative director, lending his visionary talent to global powerhouses like Ogilvy & Mather, BBDO, and Saatchi & Saatchi across New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Throughout his vibrant life, John never wavered in his deep love for the visual arts, continuously producing compelling graphite portraits, evocative abstract and semi-abstract paintings, and intriguing three-dimensional works.

His artistic exploration also extended to photography, where he masterfully captured the beauty in the mundane through his still life series he fondly described as ‘painting with a camera’ – finding profound artistry in the simplest of subjects: eggshells, bananas, matchsticks, and strips of paper.

A passionate traveler and student of diverse cultures, John believed wholeheartedly that the joy of visual beauty is omnipresent, often revealing itself in the most surprising places and unexpected things. He held the conviction that seizing those moments and capturing their essence allowed him to share something truly unique and wonderful with others – a profound gift.

 

Though John sadly passed away, his artistic legacy continues to flourish, championed by his son, Jordan Oldfield, who is dedicated to ensuring his father's extraordinary vision and body of work live on."

 

EGGSHELLS

"John Oldfield's 'Eggshells' transforms discarded fragments into a serene and evocative landscape. Through masterful use of soft, diffused light and a shallow depth of field, Oldfield invites us into an intimate world of subtle textures and delicate forms. Predominantly white, with intriguing hints of brown, these broken eggshells are elevated from the mundane to objects of quiet contemplation. The image possesses a remarkable tactile quality, drawing the viewer in to appreciate the intricate details of each shell, creating a truly unique 'painting with a camera' perspective."

RAKING THE LIGHT

This image is a striking composition of numerous eggshell halves arranged in a precise grid-like pattern against a dark background. The title "raking light" is perfectly descriptive, as a strong, directional light source from the side (raking light) casts dramatic, elongated shadows behind each shell, creating a powerful sense of depth and form. The contrast between the illuminated shells and the deep shadows is stark, and the shells themselves show both white and brown variations. The overall effect is highly graphic, almost sculptural, and minimalist, emphasizing geometry and the interplay of light and shadow.



Interested in learning more about the 'Painting with a Camera' series or information on special sizes and editions? Email Rebekah at info@goshartgallery.com