Artist Statement

As a photographer, my work typically consists of single frame images constrained to broadly accepted theories of composition and colour; my personal work tries to provoke thought through juxtaposition and twisting of the familiar, sometimes forgotten, or sacred.
I find the process of collage as not only liberating but a powerful means of creating a visual message that often resonates stronger than any single image can. Through collage I am able to compose and manipulate images and media in ways they were never initially intended in order to freely explore the use of narrative, form, colour and pattern. While the photos that comprise my collages were captured in a fraction of a second, I find cathartic the creative process of being able to reflect and “live” with these images as they are transformed into layers of introspection and discovery.

The images, letters and X-Rays that comprise this piece were created over a period of two years. A period of personal loss, pain and struggle for myself; I’ve tried to capture these emotions which also mark the period of the global COVID-19 pandemic. A period that for many still feels surreal and has brought about shared feelings of turmoil, division, lost freedoms and identity.

Reflecting on the past two years, it’s incredible how fragile and interconnected many of our lives have become. How quickly lives and dreams can be broken; and more importantly, how quickly they can be rebuilt.

Artist Bio

My name is Scott Harrald, I was born in 1971 in Toronto, Canada, where I still live and work today. After traveling the world and serving with the Royal Canadian Navy for nearly 30 years, I cannot recall a time that I was not drawn to the visuals of my environment and wanting to capture them through photography. My retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2017 provided me the time to pursue my practice for creating lens based media through photography and video. In 2020, I decided to formally pursue my passion through enrolling in Humber College’s Photography Program. While I classify myself as a commercial photographer, I enjoy exploring new ways to express myself through my personal projects.

Image Description

Photo and media collage incorporating portraiture and still life.