Philip Ringler

Artist Statement:

"An object found through chance encounter can transcend its physical status and everyday meaning and be used as a symbolic springboard to another level of understanding"
  -Clarence John Laughlin

I photograph states of mind: emotions, nightmares, energies and artifacts of this incongruous roller coaster called the human condition.  Philosophical/psychological "landscapes"; silver-based black and white images of suffering and redemption, confusion and clarity, ecstasy and death, turmoil and healing. Depth contrasts the superficial. Subterranean visions overshadow consensus reality. Paradox. Absurdity. Simulation. Authenticity.
The titles inform the images, and metaphor overrides logic, making room for ambiguity and chance.  Layers of symbols created from observations transcend factual representations. Moments are not captured and memories are not preserved, ideas are presented.

The selection of specialty film, paper and developer, as well as the physical experience of darkroom printing are essential to this alchemical process. Each photograph is meticulously printed on textured triple weight, fiber-base, silver gelatin paper; hand processed in a unique homemade developer. I create unique 60”x40” prints as well as 16”x20” prints in editions of 5. Please contact me for purchase, exhibition requests, publication or questions about the work.

Philip Ringler is an Oakland based artist specializing in fine art photography. He holds an MFA from John F Kennedy University and a BFA from California State University East Bay. He has worked as a professional photographer and artist for over 15 years. He Is currently represented by SFMOMA Artists Gallery in San Francisco. Ringler's work has been selected numerous times for ARTSLANT's juried online exhibition. In 2009 he was awarded  the Susan Seddon Boulet Award for excellence. Recent publications include an interview by Dean Brierly for Black and White Magazine. Philip not only exhibits his photographs, but is also a photo educator, musician, and writer. His newest series "Things Are Looking Up" is  available for exhibition and sale.