We recently connected with Eric Renard and have shared our conversation below.

Eric, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I am excited to be here, thank you. This year’s projects have included several solo photography exhibitions, which are by far the most meaningful projects for most artists, taking months of planning and preparation. Themes for solo shows are painstakingly strategized, photographs are carefully curated and then the real work begins: printing, framing and hanging. It is work because it rarely includes creativity or self expression, only meticulous attention to details.

My current solo exhibition is titled “Nobody walks in L.A.” is at the Sasse Museum of Art in Pomona, CA through November 26, 2023 and consists of sixteen black and white photographs. The theme is inspired by the 1982 song, “Walking in L.A.” by the new wave band Missing Persons, The song poked fun at Los Angeles for its dependence on cars with the refrain — “Nobody walks in LA”. We may not walk much, but it is not just about cars anymore, we stroll, we saunter and we strut our stuff on bikes and scooters wherever we go. This exhibition focuses on high contrast, urban cityscapes which reflect an eerie sense of peace and tranquility. The landscapes is the hero, with the people in them subject to the power of their surroundings. In this series of images I explore the unique architecture of Los Angeles, some of it loved, some of it hated and some of it completely unnoticed.

Earlier this year I had a solo exhibition at TAG, The Artists Gallery in Los Angeles titled “Urbanity in Black & White”, which included twenty two urban cityscapes including images from Paris, London, Budapest, New York and Los Angeles.

Currently I am working on two new solo exhibitions.
“It’s Relative” , where members of my family will be used as focal points for these photographs. Despite the fact that this is very personal work and that I am inspired by the memories and moments that my family has shared together, this work is not intended to be about family nor portraiture.

“Crayons for the Black and White Artist” exhibition will not be my usual black & white show, these images will explore the full chaotic rainbow of the visual spectrum. Please check my website for details on these 2024 shows.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a contemporary fine art photographer living and working in Los Angeles. My passion for photography was ignited at Tufts University in Boston, where I studied under Siegfried Halus. After graduating, I went to San Francisco and worked as an architectural real estate photographer before moving to Los Angeles. My recent exhibitions have explored the modern world through black & white photography but I am equally well-known for my distinctive color work reflecting classic California images.

Like any other creative pursuit, photography has required passion, dedication and the ability to take shake off rejection. Following the sage words of some great photographers of the past has kept me moving forward through the trials and tribulations associated with exhibiting artwork. Imogen Cunningham said “Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.” and Henri Cartier-Bresson  said “Your first 10,000 photos are your worst”.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The goal of my creative journey has evolved over the years. It began by documenting what I saw, my friends, my family and my neighborhood. Years later I embraced photography as a creative art form to share stories and unique moments in time. In 2017, my goals shifted towards getting exposure, so I began submitting my photographs to art galleries and entering art contests and learned a lot about rejection along the way.

Today, my photographs have found their way into art galleries in London, Budapest, New York, Texas, Oregon, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut and across California. I have received numerous Best of Show awards and have been published in both books and photography magazines, including the cover of Black & White magazine. I have also joined the board of directors for several non-profit art organizations in the Los Angeles area, helping to organize and promote local art exhibits.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Other than fame and fortune, which is reserved for the Andy Warhols of world, you might say there is no reward except the sheer joy of creativity itself. Or you might say the reward comes from the knowledge that you were able to create something original and express your vision. For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is sharing these captured moments at live exhibitions, which can be emotional roller coasters. The excitement of seeing your artwork hanging on the walls of a gallery or museum after installation versus the sorrow of breaking it down at the end of a show. I consider myself very lucky to have a large group of friends and followers, who come out to show support at these exhibitions, whether near or far. It would be a lot less rewarding if they didn’t come to talk art (or baseball) and share wine and cheese with me, so I would like to say thank you to all of them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ericrenardphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renard_photo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063521980530
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmrenard/
• Other: https://sasseartmuseum.org/exhibits2023-eric_renard.htm https://www.taggallery.net/artists#/eric-renard/