Artist | Portrait Photographer | Neal Schlosburg - Self Portrait

Artist Statement


Sharing emotions and troubling stories with family members or close friends can be difficult for many people. We are afraid of what others will think of us. Society tells us not to burden others with our troubles. That was my experience growing up.


Like many, I internalized them, ignored them when I needed to share them, and sometimes told them to inappropriate people. Impacted by this were my moods, outlook on day-to-day life, and relationships. Some swear they will take these feelings and stories to their grave. I almost did. Unfortunately, some do sooner than later.


People tell me their personal stories. I listen to them without judgment. In telling their stories, I use unique images. My Picture Tells A Story is about sharing your personal and emotional stories. Sharing feelings should be safe. These stories show they can.




The Six Word Story


The concept of a "six-word story" is most famously attributed to Ernest Hemingway...


My Six Word Story


I cared, listened, told your story.


 

Project Inspiration

 

 

"Just like children, emotions heal when they are heard and validated."

 

DR. JILL BOLTE TAYLOR, PHD — MY STROKE OF INSIGHT: A BRAIN SCIENTIST’S PERSONAL JOURNEY

 

"I speak because I can, to anyone I trust enough to listen."

 

LAURA MARLING, SONGWRITER, SINGER, MUSICIAN, GRAPHIC ARTIST — I SPEAK BECAUSE I CAN
Michael Austin Stevens

 

The Genesis | July 25, 2015

 

A formal portrait session leads to the first spontaneous emotional image.

The Original Storyteller Storyboard

 

The Technique | July 9, 2017

 

A family brunch and images of my cousin resulted in the first storyboard.

 

The Challenge | July 2017

 

The Seeing In Sixes Project by LensWork Magazine

A fellow photographer encourages me to create a centerpiece for my first solo exhibit.

The First Six Storytellers

 

The Project | October 4, 2017

 

These six volunteers were the original Storytellers, who comprised the first Story Series, first exhibited on October 5, 2018.

Meet the Artist

Neal Schlosburg - Profile Image by Julius Schlosburg

Life is diverse, and so too are the stories.


I explore energy, emotions, and sensibilities with my images and their titles. I converse with light, shades, shapes, textures, tones, and words to tell a story and convey my humanity. I use my artistry to give voice to another person, the Storyteller's humanity.


I want to have an expressive exchange from one soul directly to another.