california issue 965
Jul 2024
Michael Matsil
New Mexico - California - photographers
"Portraits are among my favorite images to make because it gives me the opportunity to integrate my love of the specific character of 'environments' with the people that tread within them.
Integration is the yeast in that marriage because I never just leave leftover space or a banal background beyond my person subjects. In my work, environment gives shape to the human subject as human subject gives shape to the environment. It’s a three dimensional compositional puzzle that is enhanced by color, light and most importantly… gesture. Gesture is the intangible and unpredictable signature in the shape and movement of the things and people that I look to capture. The process creates a compelling portrait that asks questions of the viewer and engages their attention on a deep level.
Portraying the powerful state of 'just being'."