This image was chosen to be the front cover of Richard's 2007 book 'Man's Ruin'. The now sold out book is a compilation of Drag Racing, Burlesque, Rockabilly Culture and Americana, photographed over seven years. The 'Man's Ruin' exhibition toured in over twenty museums and galleries in the UK & Europe. This artwork features Bonanza Café, a classic American Diner in Lone Pine on a Californian road trip.
"Richard Heeps' seductive, highly saturated colours and sophisticated pictorial structures demonstrate a true love and empathy for his subject matter - be it cool descriptive interiors, still life or landscape. His distinctive style pushes the limits of photography."
I am a film-based photographer, I use a range of vintage analogue cameras. I consider myself to have three studios, the external studio of whichever location I may be shooting, my darkroom where I make my master prints and my home studio where I do the postproduction where the artworks are mounted, framed and finished. I have always wanted my work to be accessible without compromising on quality and making everything in house I am in control of each step to achieve that.
Although I was brought up in East Anglia (England), I was heavily influenced by America. I visited American bases, I kept magazine cuttings and I followed drag racing.
The speed, lifestyle and technicolour is reflected in my imagery. 'American' colour is a major aspect in my work, it drives my equipment and material choices.
At age ten I began participating in art shows and became comfortable with showing my work and the praise and criticism which is part of an artists development. In my early paintings Manhattan was a recurring theme, I was fascinated with New York.
Throughout my professional career I have been lucky enough to exhibit my work in Museums and Public Galleries since the 1980's. Since 2008 my gallery Bleach Box, founded with Natasha Heidler, has taken part in many international art fairs. It's been an amazing experience exhibiting in America, Asia and Europe. I love connecting with my audience and it led to me creating many artworks whilst on my travels.
I now primarily work from my home studio and darkroom in Cambridge. Creating new artworks, going out on location around the country and archiving my work which has led to new releases of unseen negatives dating back over twenty years. I have maintained connection with my audience around the world through my website and Instagram, art fairs, exhibitions and collaborating with galleries.
85x100cm
Edition of 25
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