Randy Watkins

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RandyWatkinsPhotography

Website: randywatkinsphotography.com

Artist's Statement:

I’m a native Oklahoman being born in Stillwater.  My roots lay deep in Oklahoma. Past generations of my family lived in Indian Territory, long before Oklahoma became State. With many of them making one of Oklahoma’s land runs. I love the land and its people.

          How it came to be I do not know but something in my being finds Oklahoma nature and its myriad forms and textures absolutely enthralling. Oklahoma’s land, water, the astonishing variety of cloud shapes and the play of light on them all, in these I sense a peculiar and profound beauty.

          As a boy growing up in Oklahoma, I was in awe of the light as it laid up on the natural wonders of Oklahoma. Photography is about images that freeze a moment in space and time. It can capture the past, present and the future.

          The faces of the people who live and make up Oklahoma are part of the land! Their eyes are like window to the human soul; their wrinkles are a footprint of time. But most important their face tells a story, a story of Oklahoma.

          This is my art, this is my land and people I wish to share it with you. I want you to see and experience my Oklahoma and all of its wonders that it has to offer!

Biography

I was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma. My father was a blue-collar worker who was employed at Gold Spot Dairy at the time. I was the oldest of five children. I grew up in Enid, Oklahoma. The family moved back to the Cushing – Agra area to be closer to family where I finish school at Agra, Oklahoma.  I was amazed my all the family that I had living in the area. It was quite the blessing to get to know them and the land that was part of me.

I owned and ran Printing Business that was going down fast in downtown Cushing. I was in my mid 40’s single father of three children, wondering what to do. I decide to take a chance to Edmond, Oklahoma, to the attend The University of Central Oklahoma.

          I always had an interest in photography, and while attending I decide to take a basic photography class. I was very fortune that the class was taught by Dr. Woody Gaddis. I guess he saw some talent and before I knew it, with his encouragement. I took just about every photography class that UCO offered! He was an accomplished photographer, teacher and demanding mentor!

          My hope now is to combine my passion for photography and my love for Oklahoma. To capture the beauty of what is Oklahoma for the rest of my life!

 Festival in the Park, Cushing, Oklahoma Oct. 2011

 Festival in the Park, Cushing, Oklahoma Oct. 2012

50 Penn Place Art Gallery, Oklahoma City 2013 - 2015

The Art for the Art Show, Paseo Arts Association 2013

North Gallery, State Capital Dec. 2013 – Jan. 2014

OK Kids Korrel, Toby Keith Foundation, Oklahoma City, Ok Art Commission 2013

Outdoor Oklahoma, May/June Photo Gallery