Roots creep over rock searching for refuge and nourishment, neglected bricks and mortar crumble under the elements and return to the earth, a mountain is slowly devoured by the sea forming a precipice – these are photographs of matter governed by time chosen to illustrate the relentless determination of nature, the eternal cycle of creation out of destruction, and the beauty of impermanence.

The medium and techniques that I work with are chosen to strengthen the sensory and spiritual aspects of the photograph in order for the viewer to feel more directly connected to the world within it.  I believe that the authenticity of the final image should not be based on how loyal it is to reality but how well it conveys its message.

I have a natural inclination toward black and white photography as its inherent qualities of abstraction grant it the power to intensify the emotional impact of a place while leaving space for mystery.  It's in the shadows that you find the true nature of the subject.  Grain is one of the creative tools that I like to employ to further my expression.  I particularly like the additional level of atmosphere and mystique that grain can bring to a photograph when artfully used.  I primarily use medium format, as there is a satisfying balance between being able to push abundant grain out of the film and retaining a high level of detail.

As children we are instinctively attuned to the wonders of our surroundings but as years pass the discord of living weakens the relationship. What we experience during our formative years is permanently impressed into the depths of our psyche. I make photographs as a way to recapture the vital sense of connection to the world that I had as a child – to awaken the memories and feelings that were imprinted within me so many years ago and that one way or another have informed every aspect of my personality.

Bret Culp’s photographs have been shown in solo, juried and special event exhibitions in galleries and museums in Canada, the United States and abroad, including Leonardo Gallery in Toronto, Canada; The Tom Thomson Museum in Owen Sound, Canada; The Center for Fine Art Photography in Fort Collins, USA; and the Masters of Photography Exhibition in Curitiba, Brazil.

In addition, his work is in public and private collections, including The Center For Fine Art Photography, Fort Collins, USA and The Black and White Spider Awards, London, UK.

Bret is the recipient of numerous awards and honours. He has received an International Black and White Spider award for Fine Art; a ProFoto’s Excellence in Imaging and Design award; an Agfa International Photo Contest award; and inclusion in volume one of The World's Greatest Black & White Photography.

Bret Culp was born in Dunnville, Ontario, Canada in 1970, studied film and photography at Ryerson University in Toronto and have spent extended periods of time in Germany, Ireland, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States. I have worked on over 40 films, miniseries and televisions shows as a Visual Effects Supervisor, a Director, and Head of Visual Effects at C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures.