This blog is part of a series of exclusive interviews with the winners of United Photo Industries’ (UPI) pioneering Brooklyn-based public photography installation THE FENCE.
---
After graduating from Kendall College of Art and Design, Scott Hoyle relocated from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Portland, Oregon, where he enjoyed a successful 35-year career as an illustrator/graphic designer. After two successful surgeries for cancer, he decided to retire and pursue his dreams of creating fine art and photography.
His series ‘Wave Pacific’, was shown as part of THE FENCE 2015.
Hi Scott. Tell us more about when and why you first approached photography?
I became interested in photography as a student at Kendall College of Art and Design. Because I was majoring in illustration, I would use photographs as reference material for my drawings and paintings. During that time a local radio station announced a photography contest that was giving away a camera to the winner. Being a broke student I didn’t have my own camera so I borrowed one from a classmate. To my amazement, I won the contest and the camera. Once I had a camera my photography days began.
Your project "Wave Pacific" was selected as part of THE FENCE 2015. What brought you to this theme?
My entry for "Creatures" was included on THE FENCE in 2013, so it was my goal to find something equally fitting for the "Nature" theme. I have always loved the Oregon Coast and was interested in capturing the magnificent waves that occur during storms.
Can you tell us more about making the series?
My goal was to take photos of waves that were unique. The ocean is a very popular subject matter, but I wanted to present it in a way that I hadn't seen before. To that end, I climbed cliffs and shores during a series of torrential wind and rain storms. There was no manipulation of the photos other than normal burning and dodging.
Where do you find inspirations for new projects?
Because I live in the Pacific Northwest, there is never a shortage of opportunities to photograph the beauty of nature. From the coast to the Columbia River Gorge, the Cascade Mountains to the high desert of Central Oregon, there is a vast array of ever changing terrain. What I try to do is present such a beautiful landscape in the most unique way possible.
What's next for you?
I always have several photography projects going at the same time. My interests and subject matters are so varied that I am constantly bouncing from one to the other. Currently piquing my interest is creating portfolios using my smartphone. It's fun, different, and takes me away from a larger format camera for a change.
scotthoyle.com
Fence.photoville.com
Interview by Valentina De Vincenti
