About
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1960, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University in 1982 and my Master of Architecture from Clemson University in 1990. Throughout my thirty-five-year career in architecture, I have dedicated myself to exploring the interplay of color, light, and shadow.
During my tenure at Clemson, I discovered photography as a means of storytelling in black and white, with the gray detailing providing the narrative. I drew inspiration not only from the actual photograph but also from the process of viewing it within a contact sheet.
In the early 2000s, I embarked on an exploration of photography and its impact on one’s perception of the world. In these early works, I focused on the simple transformation of a photograph using computer programs, demonstrating how commonplace landscapes could be reimagined from a different perspective.
My artistic approach has undergone a transformation, seamlessly integrating my background in architectural design and photography to create a truly captivating art. I also began utilizing simple photographs of cityscapes and architectural landscapes from my travels to allow the concept of light to convey energy and movement. The narrative of the photograph and the objects within its subject reveal textures, crafted to create an immersive experience for the viewer.
My objective is to present a playful yet contemplative perspective on the subject matter, thereby inviting viewers to engage with it in an unconventional manner.
With this current collection, I have drawn inspiration from individual plants to create what I call Transformational Composites.
©Laurence Owen Rubel 2026