Leslie Norman

“The idea behind my work is to challenge myself and the viewer to stretch what we think of as photography both in method and subject. Photography is unique as an art form because it inherently deals with reality. I would like to bend that principle. I embrace this task by using fringe elements of darkroom practice together in interesting ways. For example, by creating double exposures with multiple negatives sandwiched together, photograms - objects on/ between the paper and enlarger, and photo collage. These elements often merge to make one image – which in many cases cannot be replicated, unlike making a conventional print from a single negative. Surrealism and abstract impossibilities interest me greatly, as does the irony and absurdity of everyday life. I invite the viewer to ponder the manifestation and find the significance within.”

Leslie Norman’s artistic style is influenced by everything from classic literature and nineteenth century portraiture to the old masters and antique and vintage photography. As a photographer, she has a duplicitous mission to document the world as she sees it, and to create at will her version of the truth. Incongruity, contrast, and a tenderness for the past are common themes in her work. Crumbling architectural ruins, photogram art, collage, and anything she feels has a story to tell also makes its way into her repertoire. Her photographic style has been regarded as both romantic and creepy, dream-like and brazen. She has a strong passion for simple, old-fashioned film cameras and entirely shoots b/w film. Leslie is currently shooting, processing, and printing out of her home darkroom. She lives in Mount Vernon, Ohio with her family.