SEASON SENSUALITY

JOHN McCLUSKEY

// John, a Connecticut-based photographer and writer, is dedicated to exploring the intersection of photography and writing. His work, showcased in exhibitions and publications worldwide, reflects a deep appreciation for the arts as a means of self-expression and perspective. This series, entitled “Season Sensuality,” invites viewers to appreciate abstractions of the intimate details of the natural world, often overlooked by the naked eye.

Based in Danbury, CT (USA), John has had the privilege of seeing his photographs published in numerous print and online journals and magazines. His work has also been exhibited in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

About his favourite quote, John says: “My favorite “arts” quote is actually about writing, from James Baldwin, but it applies to photography very easily, and to any other art form. This quote is very freeing – telling you not to be perfect, but to give it all you’ve got regardless. The end result will be something, in many cases, much different and better than what you intended. Settling is an interesting word, it has a negative connotation, but I don’t see it that way. To me, it says you are going to get something magnificent. Imagine “settling” for magnificence!” We say cheers to that!

“You never get the book you wanted, you settle for the book you get.”

James Baldwin

What draws you to the arts?

“The arts are very important to me. I have been a writer and photographer all my life, the two feeding off each other at times, acting independently as well. I didn’t know at first why I was attracted to the arts, but as I found my connection to be permanent, I realized the limitless expression of soul and perspective was so fittingly unique to each person (and each project), that the arts became an opportunity to live a larger life.”

What do you like best about this photo project?

“The best feature of this project is the intimacy between subject and photographer. Through the viewfinder, the pleasing sense of softness in nature comes alive and seems to reveal itself only to the photographer, who is then empowered to share.”

This series represents “season sensuality.” In this series John used close-up macro and some ICM camera movement to highlight the softness of lines within nature’s seasons. Photographs of flower petals, buds, snowdrifts, and seasonal fruit such as gourds, pumpkins, and apricots are the components of this mosaic of abstract colours and forms. Despite their seasonality, they all have in common the suggestive softness of lines and space. The “up close and personal” sensibility takes center stage of what might otherwise be lost to the naked eye, but seen through the viewfinder, every distraction is eliminated and the beauty of soft texture comes alive, has its moment, especially juxtaposed with negative space in some of the photos.

John is primarily drawn to deep colors, high contrast, negative space, geometric patterns, intentional camera movement (ICM), slow photography, and a combination of both. He often prefers underexposures for the darker sensibility they offer, emphasizing the magnitude of the scene. Patience is key for John, as he believes that each photograph emerges in its own time. Some photos are quick to reveal themselves, while others may take longer. He embraces this process, allowing certain images to simmer until they announce their presence in an unexpected way.

Click on the photos to see a larger image with its title. Some images may be cropped for layout.