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PhotoGraphic Artist
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Bill Rasdell is an accomplished professional photographer with an emphasis on producing fine art and documentary images.
Since he picked up the camera in 1974, Bill has pursued his own path learning technique as he established his personal sense of vision.
As an editorial photographer Bill has served a highly demanding corporate clientele including:
American Airlines; McDonalds Corp.; Hyatt Regency Hotels; Frito-Lay; United Airlines; Time-Life Books; Lilly Endowment Inc.; Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana; Indianapolis Power & Light Co. and the University of Indianapolis.
Bill's current projects list includes a study of life in present day Cuba.
In 1996 Bill first ventured to Cuba as a musician researching Afro-Cuban percussion and folklore at the University of Matanzas. In 1998 he was the featured artist at the Academica '98 Arts Symposium in Havana. As a recipient of the 1999 Creative Renewal Fellowship Award, Bill will return to Cuba and continue his work in Havana, Matanzas and Santiago de Cuba.
During his studies Bill has built an extensive body of work chronicling this crucial period in Cuban history. His images reveal the spirit of these vibrant people as they struggle in the face of prevailing obstacles.
Bill regularly utilizes digital technology in the enhancement of his photographs. Working in Adobe Photoshop, he is exploring new areas of creativity producing giclee prints of his work on the finest quality hand made papers.
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Artist Statement
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My earliest influences in photography were Ernst Haas, Gordon Parks and Henri Cartier-Bresson. I consider each to be masters of the moment. Even in controlled situations their subjects responded to the artist and not reacted to the camera.
It is a high priority for me not to allow the camera to impose itself upon my subject. I prefer to observe from a distance, capturing slices of life as they occur.
The camera is like a notebook or sketchpad for me. I'm primarily a technician when I'm using the camera.
My artistic expression comes when I go to the darkroom or the computer. I have spent years interpreting and reinterpreting an image.
The computer has really allowed my creativity to soar. Effects that were excruciatingly difficult using conventional photographic processes are a virtual breeze with this technology.
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Urban Equations
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Urban Equations is a multi-level cultural appreciation program designed to draw parallels between the urban experiences of varying cultures.
My current focus is on the impact of the African presence on the Americas.
In the development of this program, I have explored and experienced daily life and customs in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Mexico, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad/Tobago and across the United States.
Through a wide range of outreach activities the Urban Equations program shares these contributions with communities often underexposed to cultural diversity.
The Urban Equations program offerings include exhibits, artist residencies, a lecture series and performances like Music, Pictures & Words which blends Afro-Caribbean rhythms with songs, poetry and folktales gathered from the areas studied. All Urban Equations activities can be adapted to compliment the core curriculum.
In the near future the Urban Equations program will examine African retention in
the cultures of Belize, Brazil and Peru.
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