By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
Where are you from and how did you end up in eastern North Carolina?
I am from Pensacola, Florida where my Dad went to Navy Flight School. I ended up moving to New Bern because my Dad was stationed at Cherry Point when I was younger. This has been my home for many years after I relocated from Pensacola 4 years ago.
Did you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?
I have taken courses at Craven Community College, but I am self-taught using drone technology.
You’re known for your aerial photography work, how did you get into that field?
I started with camera photography initially and love documenting beautiful landscapes. I am an avid cyclist and started documenting landscapes with my bike in picturesque surroundings. I realized that you can take photographs from a very unique perspective from a drone and my work has expanded tremendously with this capability. I am left-handed and the drone allows me to take photographs as still cameras prove to be more challenging for left handers. The drone captures images in a bird’s eye view that very few photographers can capture from the ground perspective.
Is there a central theme to your work, or several themes?
My aerial photography focuses on land and cityscapes using my drone in both regular and panoramic settings. The theme is generally landscape and historic architecture and other prominent landmarks. I have focused on train yard, ocean, waterfront, maritime and special events. I use distinctive editing and coloring on my canvases. Sunsets and sunrises are my favorite time to capture images because of the always different skies.
A lot of you work is printed on canvas instead a traditional paper framed and matted pieces. Is there a reason you’re drawn to that medium?
Using canvases allows me to print on special metallic canvas for a unique look. This technique of printing on metallic is custom and makes the images really stand out. Canvases are more economical for people to hang in the long run as they do not require additional matting and framing. I can print canvases 55” wide by any length for very large installations of my images. Canvases are very easy for my customers to hang in their homes or businesses.
Is there an artist in your field or any other whose work you admire or who inspires you?
The artist that I admire is the photographer, Bayard Wooten, a New Bern native who was ahead of her time. She was the first woman to fly in a Wright Brothers aircraft and take photos of New Bern from the air. She captured images of New Bern and Eastern North Carolina and resided on East Front Street. She documented the history of places and events in New Bern and I hope that my work will also provide a historical perspective on New Bern and surrounding areas. I’d like people to look back on my work 100 years from now and appreciate it as much as Ms. Wooten’s work.
What specific award, exhibition, or piece are you particularly proud of, and why?
In the short time that I have been a drone photographer, I was honored to be featured in the Director’s Gallery at the Bank of the Arts. I also was selected as the Emerging Artist at the Community Artist Gallery for April – June 2022. I displayed a piece at the ROY G BIV show at the Bank of the Arts. And I was recently chosen for a nationally juried show for my piece depicting downtown Raleigh in July 2022. I have many pieces that I admire. I am proud of my installations at Freshwater Beer Company, Captain Rattys and at Lawsons on the Creek at NC History Center. My work is also featured on many websites in the local community. I am most proud of the art shows that people have attended because I really appreciate interacting with people in the community.
In one sentence, what is art to you?
Art is capturing beautiful images that people will treasure for years to come.
Do you have advice for artists just starting out, or someone who wants to get into the arts?
Be patient as you will spend hours practicing your craft every day. Do not be afraid to take chances and put your work out for the public to see. Making mistakes will improve your work and your work will evolve over time into something amazing. You will not be good at it overnight; practice makes perfect.
I know you’ll be in the Bank of the Arts National Juried Exhibition this July and August, but where else can people find you work?
My work is displayed for purchase at MJs, Bank of the Arts shop, Lawsons on the Creek, Freshwater Brewing Company, and Captain Rattys. I can be reached via fb @ benlindemannphotography or I can be reached at 850-324-6120. I am developing a web site currently to provide a gallery of my work for viewing and retail.