Craig Norton - Artist Statement

Pull up a chair and I'll tell you a story.... As a child, I was surrounded by great photographers. Grandpa Pete was published in Yankee Magazine and he was a forensic photographer for state and local police. My brothers are very creative photographers and my nephew Michael is a talented professional freelancer in Washington, DC. My daughter Molly now assists me on weddings and teaches me all the latest tricks in Photoshop.

My brother Dave took photography to a new level for the Norton's until he died in 1982. He always had a camera with him, took hauntingly beautiful photographs and inspired me to chase sunsets and rainbows for the rest of my life. I dedicate my work to you, bro.

This photographic vision is in our blood and I am fully embracing it. My creative fire is sparked by images that capture the essence and spirit of life. I am fascinated by the geometry of architecture and inspired by the majesty of trees. You can usually find my work showing in a variety of public galleries and my fine art prints are available for public and private collections.

I developed the “Playtography” Artist Residency for Connecticut Children's Medical Center that gives participants a fresh perspective on their environment and a creative way to express themselves. Several Playtography galleries have been established to showcase the patients amazing photographs. I also teach "Digital Photography" for West Hartford Arts League and a variety of workshops at New Britain Museum of American Art. In 2007 I was hired by Young Audiences of CT to teach long term residencies and workshops in schools throughout CT. I've always said that you teach best what you most need to learn. Also in 2007, I had the privilege to be chosen as the photographer for a book called "Open Doors to Family Learning", which was a great learning experience for me. They used 90 of my shots! In the summer of 2008 I worked with artist, Lisa Hoke chonicling the installation of an epic art piece at the New Britain Museum of American Art. Click here to view two different videos that I produced.

My latest project is Bob The Big Red Ball, which has been a fun way to get to know my new camera. As you can see by the variety of things that I apply photography to, I am not one to specialize. Every day is a new adventure and I am never bored.

My wish for you, fine reader is that my work will inspire you to look at life a little differently, pick up your camera and go for a walk or maybe even buy one of my pieces or hire me to photograph an event.

I look forward to hearing from you.