Altpick.com Artist Spotlight: Leslie Jean-Bart

[ April 12, 2001 ] For Leslie Jean-Bart, pursuing the art of photography didn't mean sidelining his background in Journalism. "I hated it, but I stayed and got a degree in it," Jean-Bart says about his experience in Columbia's Journalism masters program. Instead, Jean-Bart uses his knowledge to impart the essence of what would be written, through his images. "I attempt, on one level, to have the image literally speak with the clarity of the written word in conveying a specific idea. While on another level, be abstract enough to permit the imagination of the viewer to possibly take flight. This does not, by any means, preclude the image from being visually complex," he explains.

Now a twenty-year veteran of the art world, Leslie Jean-Bart attributes a little luck to his development as an artist. In Jean-Bart's case, luck would be the rare experience of having a mentor like photographer Elliott Erwitt to study under three days a week for six months. "He encouraged me a lot and I felt confident that I could go out and try," He recalls. His work is evidence that Erwitt's tutelage was not wasted.

Currently producing editorial, industrial, and fine arts photography, Jean-Bart boasts an impressive list of clients: IBM, BMW, Time Warner, Robert Mondavi, Simon & Schuster, JVC Jazz Festival, and Columbia University. He is also currently taking part in a group show at The Brooklyn Museum of Art, through April 29, 2001. Recently, altpick.com spoke to Leslie about his work.

Whose work do you admire?
Jerry Uelsmann, he has a magical dream-like imagination where the "real world" and the imagination became one reality. I also love the sensibility of Eugene Smith's photo-essays.

Given your experience with Elliott Erwitt, what advice would you give someone starting out?
To find a mentor, although these days I think it's much harder. Not just in terms of photography, I think most folks are not as giving as they use to be. I try to extend the same courtesy that was given to me. I don't lie or bluff. If I feel that the person has something to offer I try to push them to carry on, to do what they have to do.

What is one thing you would like to do?
I would love to do a cartoon before I leave this world. I love animation, so I watch when I have the chance. But honestly, I have no idea how they are made. I am going to learn one of these days and take a stab at making a great one.

How would you define your style?
I don't really specialize. This may not be wise, but so far it has been okay. For me it's best not to, I would get bored. If you understand how the chair works you can understand how the stool works, they are from the same family. You need to be exposed to different things; even if you do concentrate on one area, it will expand your sphere.

Do you think that rapidly advancing digital technology will affect the "art" of photography?
It is a fact that the computer is going to effect the definition of photography; it's changed it already anyway. It all boils down to the essence of the image and the ability to convey that essence.

- Contributed by Mary Beth Holland

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