About Kristen M. Caldon

Interview from Flagstaff Cultural Partners Newsletter August 2009

Artist Profile: Kristen M. Caldon

Our artist of the month for August is photographer, Kristen M. Caldon. A self- described fine art photographer, conservationist, nature enthusiast, recreationist, traveler, and volunteer. Viewers of Caldon's work will find themselves immersed in her love for the outdoors generally, and canyon country specifically. Constantly following the landscape and what makes her tick, Caldon presents some of her latest collection for us to enjoy throughout the month of August at Vora Financial Group in downtown Flagstaff (14 E. Birch Ave.) and during the August ArtWalk. Our Gallery Director, Jillian Asplund, asked Caldon about her work.

JA: Will you describe your style of photography and main subject interests for those not already familiar with your work?

KC: My work is completely based around American Wilderness; it's intimate details and secret spots, people traveling and recreating, and the local efforts to protect these lands. For the past 2 years I have been working diligently on photographing sandstone on the Colorado Plateau, which has taken me into deep canyons and sweeping landscapes within northern Arizona and southern Utah.



JA: Do you have a fine art background? What got you interested in photography and how long have you been at it?
 
KC: Photography was my first love, and that passion continues to this day. I was inspired as a child by wildlife photography books, and nature programs on the tv. I was always learning about these diverse places around the world, and right off the bat I knew the importance of film as a learning tool or a way to make an emotional bond. I got my first camera when I was fifteen, and have been shooting regularly since then. I received a formal education from Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula, MT, where I focused on fine art nature, and graduated in 2004.

JA: Who are your top three inspirations in the art world?

KC: Jim Brandenburg, Ernst Haas, and Dawn Kish
 
JA: What are your inspirations that one might not immediately associate with your work and how do you find ways to reference and integrate them into your photographs?

KC: My biggest inspiration is the landscape, but I love the act of traveling and living within the landscape with minimal impacts. Recently I have been making a lot more backpacking photos, and I'm finding it is a delicate balance to make a successful image with people in action as well as a magnificent landscape.

JA: Are you currently working on any new projects that you would like to talk about?

KC: This summer I have been traveling all over working on land rights issues, specifically dealing with mining, drilling, and energy plants. These are some really complex issues, and I can only hope that my images can be used appropriately. I realize that not everybody wants to see these "ugly" images, but these images can sometimes paint a better picture of what is going on in our own backyards and all over the country.