Eli Craven, an American artist and photographer, spoke to Knox students and faculty on Feb. 2 in the round conference room at CFA, where attendees gathered for his exhibition. During his talk, Craven reflected on his artistic journey and the intentions behind his work.
He opened the presentation by talking about his early experiences with art. Craven shared a photograph of himself and his sister sitting in a blue car on a road in front of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado in 1980. The image was taken by his father, a landscape painter known for Western motifs.
Craven explained that his father had a significant influence on his artistic development and hoped he would pursue a graduate degree in painting. However, his teenage mind wanted to reject that wish. Instead, he discovered an interest in tangible material objects and photographs found in magazines. His artistic experiences were shaped by his exploration of these materials, as well as his family’s financial instability.
Craven talked about his early career in photography, when he discovered the new perspective of photographs as materials, under the limited conditions with chemicals in the dark room to print photos out.
Moreover, a photo taken by John Decker inspired him to seek the topic of experience. Decker’s work was minimal, but it was intentionally created, according to Craven. To that photo, he said his original theme for his photography was “manifesting something from nothing.” It is because the simple act can transform the focal point.
During his undergraduate years, Craven wrestled with the question of how to define himself as both a photographer and an artist. The process of taking pictures and printing them in the darkroom forced him to confront questions of identity and intention: “who you are as an artist, and what are you trying to do?”
After graduating, Craven started exploring college, which led to his current style of social reflection.
In discussing the works displayed in the Borzello gallery, he explained that many of them compound themes of sexuality, desire, and death. His photography reflects his interpretation of matters in life.
“That’s just visual, [organizational], and actual tension between something representing,” said Craven.
Craven also emphasized that framing is integral to his work. He hides objects’ faces with frames, mirrors, and fences, creating controversy. As his style has gained recognition, Craven has exhibited his work nationally and internationally. He is also an associate professor at Purdue University in Indiana.
