The Altadena Public Library is pleased to showcase the amazing black & white images and selected companion-readings of local area artist, Alfred Haymond, from December 11 to December 30 in the Communtiy Room and Reading Court.
Originally from Los Angeles, Alfred has established himself as an accomplished photographer, writer and musicologist with an impressive body of work spanning over three decades. The assortment of images currently on display is what Alfred commonly refers to as – Observational Photography, “…finding those mundane occurrences happening all around that we seldom take notice of, and visually documenting them.”
Drawing his inspiration from iconic greats of the past, the likes of Gordon Parks, Vivian Maier and Arthur “WeeGee” Fellig – Alfred takes an organic approach to composition whenever a camera is within reach. “I’ll hear the music of John Coltrane, Steely Dan, Marvin Gaye or something as equally hip, and it sets the tone for the moment. As the music plays, I’m instantly penning a short narrative in my mind – and the resulting photographs are a visual manifestation of that process.”
When asked why the majority of his work over the last couple of years has been comprised of primarily black & white studies – Alfred readily explains, “There is just something so quaint, therapeutic and very nostalgic about the medium – It takes you back in time, calls to mind fond memories and it just has a way of creating a visual experience that can be quite personal, profound and lasting.”
“I wish to express my appreciation to the Altadena Public Library for the opportunity to share my work with you, its patrons and with the community at large. As Southern California continues to innovate and stir an ever evolving creative artistic tide, it is exciting to be a part of such a movement which promotes beauty, dialog and expression.”
Alfred Haymond is on Facebook and Instagram, and can be reached directly @alfredhaymond
