Contemplative Visions Photography

Artist Statement:

Do you ever stop and wonder about what it is you are seeing?  Do you only see the thing you are observing, or all that it encompasses?  Naturally inquisitive, when I experience the world around me, I often contemplate the subjects of my images and I wonder, what is their history, what is in their future, whose lives have they touched, whose lives have touched them?  How did the terribly twisted tree in the forest become so disfigured and yet still be strong enough to endure?  Who were the artists of architecture who with their imaginations, their hands and their physical labor created such awe-inspiring works of masonry, steel, wood and glass?  

Everything goes deeper than what is observed on the surface.  To realize and appreciate that there is a larger story involving the object we are observing, no matter how big, or small, man-made or natural, that is what I want those who view my images to contemplate.  

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Bio:

Barbara Bolton Cornett, originally from London, KY, now resides in Knoxville, TN with her husband, corgi and two cats.  Being a native of the Appalachian Mountain Region, she has a love of nature, wildlife and the great outdoors.  She enjoys spending time in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities it has to offer.  In addition to her love of nature, she also loves to travel and explore the world and all of its many fascinating places.  She is inspired by her travels and time spent in nature and documenting her travels through her photography is something she truly enjoys.  

Her photographic journey was initially inspired by her beloved aunt who had taught her as a child to manually operate a film camera.  As a child she would go around capturing images of blossoming redbud trees, blooming flowers, and the like.  Many years went by before her inspiration was again reignited when her daughter entered the world of competitive cheerleading.  Capturing the best images possible with challenging settings and lighting circumstances became her own personal competition.  A handful of years later after relocating to Knoxville, her husband and daughter bought her a new Nikon DSLR camera for her birthday.  Barbara registered for and completed several photography classes in the UT Non-Credit Program and earned her Photography Certificate in 2021.