Artist Statement and Bio
Lens Based Artist
Bob Coates - M.Photog.M.Artist.Cr.,CPP, EA-ASP
Artist Statement
I strive for a Zen feeling in my art. I lean toward that esthetic. It seems to be one of the first comments I hear from viewers with no prompting.
Though there may be many pieces and layers in my art, the combinations of textures, colors and shapes often lead to a place of quiet contemplation.
Travel is my main inspiration. It unlocks preconceived limits placed upon us due to daily repetition. The mind is responsible for keeping brains from being overwhelmed in daily life by too much stimuli. Travel removes the blinders and allows for more open vision and interpretation of the world. Travel is a chance to see new objects that have not been tamed by repetition.
My process is to start with a subject that holds intrigue for me. It could be a shape, a color or form that begins the process. Then extraction, addition of textures, experimentation and repetition move the piece along.
With the camera I often find myself gathering source images by instinct not knowing exactly why. I may make a particular photo then find it becomes the star or supporting actor in the final piece. In past years, I began gathering texture images long before I started using them in my art.
Once people learn about my process there comes recognition that the image is much more than a simple photograph, even though all source material comes through a camera lens. My goal lies in the creation of art with depth and dimension – art that’s alive. Art that has a distinctive look in different lighting or viewing distances that you can live with for years to come.
What may I create for you?
Bio
Coates started his official pro career in March of 1995 after picking up and putting down a camera for the previous Thirteen years. Based in the Caribbean for his first three years of business Bob concentrated on commercial photography. He was dragged kicking and screaming into the wedding side of the business and then embraced weddings. Upon his move to Sedona, Arizona to get out of the path of hurricanes, weddings were expanded and mixed with some commercial work. Coming full circle Bob is back to concentrating solely on commercial projects, chasing wildlife and creating an art décor line of images as a ‘Lens Based Artist’ combining photographic images with digital artistry.
Articles for magazines and books authored by Bob are part of how he gives back to the photographic community. In addition, Bob has presented programs from Hawaii to the Caribbean including National platforms at Imaging USA and other venues. Judging local and International print competitions is another way Bob shares his expertise in the industry.
Bob has always believed in helping his local community using his photographic skills. Among fundraising projects a couple notable ones were a calendar based on the movie Calendar Girls that raised money and garnered lots of community awareness and National press for the Sedona Arts Center. He also photographed, designed, printed and sold a calendar titled ‘Flowers for Food’ for the Sedona Community Center raising over $15,000.
The Gallery of Modern Masters at the Hillside Sedona Center represents Coates’ artwork. Bob currently lives and works from his residential studio in Sedona, AZ with his wife Holly.
Check out Bob’s other work: A Blog for photographers http://successful-photographer.com
Commercial Photography http://bcphotography.com
Professional Involvement
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Member 1997 - present
PPA Certified Photographer 1998 - present
Arizona Professional Photographers Association (AZPPA) Member 1999 - present
Phoenix PPA Member 1999 - 2004
AZPPA Board Member 2001 – 2012 Web Master 2007 - 2012
PPA Craftsman Degree 2002
AZPPA President 2004/2005 and 2010-2011
PPA Master Photographer Degree 2006
PPA Artist Degree 2015
PPA Imaging Excellence Award 2015 - Imaging Excellence Bar
USA Photographic World Cup Selection - 2016
PPA Councilor 2009 - Present
PPA Approved National Judge 2010 - present
Buddy M. Stewart Humanitarian Award (PPA) 2011
American Society of Photographers (ASP) Educational Associate Degree 2018
PPA Photographic Educators Award - 2024
American Society of Photographers 'The Makers Muse' Museum Project Shows - Grapevine, Texas 2025 - Houston, Texas 2025
Community Involvement
Sedona Arts Center Calendar Project 2004-2005
NILMDTS photographer 2006 – present
Delivering Meals on Wheels 2008 - present
Sedona Community Center Calendar project 2009 - 2010
Yavaipai County – Unsung Hero Award 2010
NILMDTS Board Member – 2011 – 2013
NILMDTS Photographer – 2010 – 2018
