By Gerry Dotto

When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?

I had some basic photography classes at art college in the late 70’s, but didn’t work at it seriously until about 2005. Until then I was doing some work with Polaroid 600 photos. Once digital photography became more common, I got more invested in the process, and bought a better camera and tripod and became more proactive about going out and shooting. I’m mostly self taught, but I took some extension courses and workshops those really helped too.

By Gerry Dotto

Who are the photographers and artists that have had the greatest influence on you and why?

The artists that first inspired me were M.C. Escher, Salvador Dali, and Canadian painter Alex Colville. Escher is still a big influence on my work; not always in an obvious way, but elements of his work like pattern, illusion, misperception are elements I try to work in to a lot of my own artwork.

Barbara Kruger and Raymond Pettibon are two of my favourite artists – dynamic use of text and messaging and strong graphic look of the images. I really like the work of Calgary artist Chris Cran, I think we have very similar sensibilities on how we approach our work.

British graffiti artist Banksey has amazing ideas on how to insert his work and opinions in the public in some very unsuspecting ways. That’s inspiring me on how I direct my work to evolve. I also like that he stands by his principles, doesn’t sell out to the ‘establishment’.

My favourite photographers are Jeff Wall, Fred Herzog, Edward Burtynsky and Weegee. More artists with similar sensibilities.

A page from the artist book, ‘Golden Thread’. – mixed media collage

What is the inspiration behind your photographs?

I’m primarily a street photographer, so I’m considering everything in my environment and I’m just very aware of things or situations that are not quite right… Those are things that qualify to be photographed. And when I see something and I think ‘well that’s something you don’t see everyday’ then that qualifies to be photographed too. These are normally familiar things or situations that we encounter everyday, so they go unacknowledged. I try to take a different point of view, find a different way to show their inherent beauty.

A page from the artist book, ‘Golden Thread’. – mixed media collage

What was the most unique person or place you’ve photographed?

The one location I was surprised to find that had really captured my interest was an underground parking lot for a large apartment building. I shot my photo series ‘Two Wheelers’ at this location. The tenants hang their bikes on hooks on the wall in their parking stalls, and the first time I drove through the lot, it looked like all these bikes were floating in space. Once I started shooting, different details revealed themselves, elements like the texture in the cement walls, mud and puddles on the ground, fluorescent lighting and how the heavy yellow stripes framed and defined each tenant’s stall.

A page from the artist book, ‘Golden Thread’. – mixed media collage

What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?

Take a lot of photos – keep an open mind – look for beauty in everyday things and situations.

By Gerry Dotto

If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?

I’m not interested in super powers. With great power comes great responsibility, and I don’t have time for that.

photograph, Yield sign and Yeild sign, suburban, truck, glowing light, soft focus hard focus, magic hour

Where is your favorite travel destination?

My favourite trips were to Melbourne, Australia; Havana, Cuba; and most recently to New York. We went for the first time last September. One week is not enough – a little surprised at how many tourists there were.

By Gerry Dotto

When you’re not photographing, what are your favorite hobbies?

I collect record albums and CDs and make my own song compilations on CD (yes – old tech…)

What do you most enjoy about being a part of InFocus Photo?

It’s just a great opportunity to show your photos in an exhibition where the quality of the photography is always very high. I’ve been involved in a few InFocus shows and it’s always great to meet and talk with the other photographers.

www.gerrydotto.com