Veronica McLaren

Your photography often captures solitary trees against vast landscapes. What draws you to this subject?

I would say that I am drawn to any subject that sparks my creativity. It just so happens that certain locations contain solitary trees with vast landscapes. An object, person, or landscape may have a certain appeal to me if it is in the right light, angle, etc. and can jumpstart that creative energy.

How do the locations you choose influence the emotional tone of your work?

Many of the locations I visit are cemeteries, graveyards, cultural, and historical institutions. My spouse is a public historian, so we visit these locations frequently. This may explain why some of my photography includes solitary trees against vast landscapes. All of these locations evoke a sense of reflection and nostalgia; I try to capture the environment in that fleeting moment which may never be recreated again.

Your images seem to blend realism with a quiet sense of poetry. How do you achieve this balance?

This is a tricky question to answer. I believe the locations I visit are part of the reason for this balance, given the emotions that they potentially evoke. It’s also partially subjective – my perception of the location and surroundings and what it evokes in me influences how I capture the images and how I potentially edit it later on. In all of my images, I try to make a connection with viewers, stir emotions and contemplation, and shift perspectives.

Veronica McLaren | Conimicut Tree

What role does light and shadow play in your creative process?

In my “Art of the 20th Century” undergraduate class (many years ago!), I learned about various art movements that piqued my interest, including German Expressionism, the Art Deco movement, and abstract expressionism. I also learned about the artistic technique of chiaroscuro, the dichotomy of light versus dark, which fascinated me. I was also introduced to the film Metropolis (1927) which solidified my love for Art Deco, German Expressionism, and chiaroscuro. Each one of these helped influence how light and shadow play into my creative process, creating a dramatic and visual effect or a form of distortion in some cases.

Can you share your typical process—from discovering a location to final editing?

The locations are chosen ahead of time, usually with the primary purpose of historical research. Once we are there, I will go off on my own to capture video and images, both for the historical research and for my own artistic purpose. I will use three methods to capture images – my mobile phone, my iPad, and an action camera. Once the images are captured, I will review the images for usability, and use a digital painting software to edit photographs as needed.

Is there a particular place or environment you return to repeatedly for inspiration?

My favorite places for inspiration are Salem, Massachusetts and Benefit Street in Providence, Rhode Island. Another place that I know will be a favorite inspirational, recurring place that I recently visited is Essex, Connecticut.

Veronica McLaren | Reflect

How has your personal connection to nature shaped your artistic journey?

Since my early teenage years, I have always enjoyed the environment of wandering graveyards and cemeteries. This has only grown over the years as I learned and respected the historical and cultural significance of these points of interest, in addition to historical and cultural institutions that may be attached to them. It only seems reasonable to want to capture these locations and share my enjoyment with others.