A R T I S T
Traveling across the United States, I connect with people in urban landscapes, capturing their portraits and stories with their consent.
While not every portrait depicts homelessness, the streets host a diverse array of lives, each with its own narrative. Despite this diversity, a profound sense of loneliness is a common thread in many encounters. The emotions within these narratives—regret, lost love, abandonment, fear, loneliness, joy, and hope—blend into a powerful composite.
I intentionally focus on their humanity, not just their circumstances. Through my portraits, I aim to prompt introspection, encouraging recognition of our shared vulnerabilities and interconnectedness. It's not just about the dignity of the homeless; it's about all of us and our fundamental human needs—belonging, respect, love, and kindness.
My father, Frank Rampolla (1931-1971), was a prominent figurative expressionist oil painter in the transformative 1960s. His art delved into the complexities of the human condition, emphasizing themes like individual dignity, the impact of war, loneliness, and the quest for profound faith.
Central to his work was the portrayal of human disconnection, even in depictions of multiple figures, conveying an underlying sense of isolation.
Inspired by his legacy, I explore the prevalent lack of emotional connection in today's world. Despite technological advancements, many experience profound isolation, contributing to societal unease. This collection aims to evoke the universal experience of loneliness, prompting viewers to reflect on their own connections and the depth of human interaction.
Embrace the present moment; our minds often wander, distracting us from reality. Labels limit our understanding, hindering true connection. Art breaks these constraints, offering a deeper understanding.
This collection aims to awaken senses, urging viewers to engage actively, uncovering fleeting beauty. By highlighting overlooked moments, it prompts us to explore perceptions and appreciate the richness of our surroundings. These images remind us to pause, observe, and embrace the beauty in our everyday lives.
Kairos explores the dance of movement, texture, and color in a way that is both fluid and deliberate. The ink-like forms follow paths that are unpredictable yet purposeful, merging with vibrant hues that seem to breathe and shift as if alive. These elements speak to an energy that is dynamic and ever-changing. In contrast, textured surfaces reveal layers of imperfection—each dissolving into abstraction, uncovering depth, complexity, and an intimate reminder of life's transience.
This series doesn't aim to depict something tangible. Rather, it seeks to embody an essence, much like satori—the sudden awakening to the truth of what simply is. Inspired by Kandinsky’s insight that abstraction reveals inner truth, Kairos pares away the inessential, laying bare the raw energy of transformation and movement.
At its core, Kairos invites viewers to step beyond observation into a realm of pure experience. It is an exploration of the unseen rhythms that underpin existence: the tension of form, the pull of color, and the delicate balance between chaos and order. These works encourage a mindful pause—a chance to engage fully with the present, where the flux of change is not a disruption but a purposeful unfolding.
Through this, Kairos becomes more than a visual journey; it’s an invitation to feel the pulse of life itself, to surrender to the moment, and perhaps, to catch a fleeting glimpse of transcendence.
This series explores light, tone, and form, turning landscapes into distilled expressions of nature’s essence. Each image captures fleeting moments that transform into something both familiar and elusive, stripping away specific memories and becoming their own presence. Echoing Susan Sontag’s idea that a photograph replaces memory, these works replace personal recollection with an impression that stands on its own, allowing the ordinary to fade into something more elemental.
In these images, the forms and textures of nature shift and merge, reflecting the energy and intensity of landscapes at their core. There’s no attempt here to capture specific places or times; instead, each image exists as an embodiment of nature’s raw, enduring beauty—something that remains, even as memory fades.
In an era where art and life blend, life seeks constant validation. Immersing in nature becomes a path to rediscover life's essence. Amidst the pull of the world, connecting with nature realigns us with life's core.
Nature, for me, is a source of clarity and spiritual purification. It creates a synergy with the past and those who traversed this earth. In the present, it forms a harmonious unity and possesses inherent healing qualities.
This collection captures my synergy with nature, reflecting emotions and sensations when enveloped by its embrace. The images reflect nature's impact on my inner world, encapsulating the essence of my sanctuary.
Often, I find comfort in the quiet simplicity of nature devoid of vibrant colors—a raw essence where stories unfold in whispers. The absence of color adds depth to Sanctuary, where shapes, textures, and contrasts interact vividly. Amidst the pull of the modern world, the muted hues encourage a pause, inviting us to witness nature's beauty in its purest form.
Here, time slows, and the spirit finds solace in the gentle conversations between light and dark. Beyond Color captures nature's essence not with vibrant hues, but with hushed whispers of texture and contrasts, echoing the wisdom of the past and the gifts of the present.
During the snowstorm, all routes home seemed impassable except for one uncertain path. A quote by Lao Tzu, 'A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving,' echoed in my mind, urging me to value the journey over the destination.
The drive to Bozeman unfolded as a mixture of intense snow flurries and moments of tranquil serenity. Venturing forth, we found ourselves in a wondrous snow globe, with freshly fallen snow dancing in intricate patterns of black and gray.
It felt like we were the sole travelers that day, braving treacherous conditions. The vast, snow-covered landscape was occasionally interrupted by a snowplow, a passing trucker, and a couple of fellow adventurers, all navigating the wintry solitude.
The American West offers breathtaking beauty, making it a photographer’s paradise. From the surreal landscapes of Yellowstone to the towering peaks of the Grand Tetons and the stark allure of New Mexico and Arizona, this region is more than just visually stunning. It invites a deeper, almost spiritual connection that draws people in and often leads them to stay.
In this series, I focus on capturing the fleeting moments that go beyond the surface, aiming to reflect the deeper essence of this remarkable landscape.