Biography
Orvis St. John is a visionary artist and photographer known for his unique abstract photo manipulation, seen in series like "Kaleidosmoke," "Building Portraits," and "City Girls." His work blends diverse influences, exploring form, color, and urban narratives.
His creative journey spans fashion modeling in Milan and Paris, culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu, and an award-winning advertising career, including accolades from the New York Festivals. This diverse experience fuels his artistic perspective.
St. John's photography has featured in Photo Vogue Italia, and he was a Canon CPN Editors Choice. His successful solo show opened at Livia Lisboa Photo Kunst in Hamburg. His art is now in private collections across Europe and the U.S.
He also shares his expertise as a photography instructor at The Photo Academy Paris. His passion for "turning left when others turn right" ensures his work remains distinct and captivating.
Artist Statement
Orvis rejects the idea of being merely a copyist and emphasizes experimentation as the core of his creative process. A period of isolation during the pandemic fueled a focus on photo collage and architectural manipulation, leading to series like "City Girls" and "Building Portraits." The artist's work is influenced by a background in surfing and skateboarding, reflecting a fluid and unconstrained approach. A modeling career, inspired by iconic photographers like Steven Meisel and Annie Leibovitz, further shaped their artistic vision. The goal is to create captivating imagery through color, composition, and experimentation, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.