Exploring two styles — both exceptional — of Henry Bateman’s art.

When first you come upon Henry Bateman’s website, you contemplate whether or not to continue, because the site is BUSY. Not as busy as some, but busy enough that this viewer had a difficult time walking through the crowded streets. You take a breath, then plunge in, and, once inside, you find it’s friendly.

Henry Bateman’s work is about people and the places they populate, people and the things they do, people and the results of their passions.

Henry Bateman is a photographer who photo-manipulates his work into art that is at once unique and evocative. His “Shrines 2″ gallery stamps a feeling. It makes me want to walk inside the picture, to visit where he’s traveled, to see and feel it for myself. The images beckon and beg one to enter and explore.

And I can see them. Hanging. Hanging on stark white, stucco walls — big walls, huge pictures — gracing long, cool, open wall space in the entry, in the living room.

And then we come to Henry Bateman’s “attracted to light” gallery.

Again you stand, knowing yourself within the hallway, there within the room, within the scene, hearing your own footsteps, your own breathing, your own heartbeat, or watching from the back, there while others listen, act, be.

Henry Bateman is an artist who captures moments live in life that permit you entry to another world and moment.

You can find him on the Net at http://www.pissedpoetpics.com/

D. L. Keur