Artist Bio : D. J. Hall

"Initially my work emphasized social commentary on an image-conscious culture in which women are engaged in a preoccupation with physical appearance, fleeting youth, and fear of aging. Throughout the years the women portrayed in my work have reflected my feelings, fears, and coming to terms. Women have been the obvious subject matter in my paintings.

Equally important, light has been and remains a subject of my work. I am fascinated with the ability of light to evoke a sense of time, place and memory. I have chosen the light of the California outdoors and of the tropics because of the particular intensity. Also, my attraction to poolside settings stems from childhood memories of summer afternoons at my Grandmas pool where I only briefly glimpsed a sense of joy and security.

Stylistically my obsession with precision and minute detail reveals my life-long tendencies… I grew up with the magical notion that if I could make something look "really real" it would "come true." I am still creating an ideal world in my paintings.

Ironically these images cannot exist in physical reality as they are highly contrived composites of many real or imagined sources. I go about constructing each new image as though I am making a film. I select models, wardrobe changes, locations, and props. For the photo sessions I devise scenarios for my models so they can project what I envision. With the resulting photos I add, re-arrange, delete, and make-up information, indeed, whatever it takes to achieve a strong composition and create a picture which conveys my current and evolving concerns.

As I have grown my work has evolved in a careful and subtle fashion. The women are beginning to express a sense of calm and they are less confrontational. Other objects and elements are entering my work and gaining greater presence. A more gentle, playful, and joyous atmosphere is developing.

I like to think that my work is now a personal commentary -- perhaps a visual diary of my journey towards maturity and self-acceptance."

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