- November 23, 2024
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Flagler Palm Coast High School senior Stephen DiMaria likes to convey powerful, raw emotions through his photography.
One of his most recent works — a black and white digital photograph of a girl glaring into the lens while angrily grabbing her hair — won First of Show at the Flagler County Art League’s eighth-annual spring show “Poetry and Art at FCAL, the Endless Love Affair.” The opening reception was held Saturday, April 13.
His first-place piece is part of a series he created called “Afflicted.”
“I kind of just want to bring emotion out through those pieces,” he said. “My style is kind of more artistic portraits I would say. They really focus on the eyes of my subject."
An inventive photographer, DiMaria uses a black bed sheet as his background. Paired with some lighting equipment he borrows from his uncle and his Canon Rebel T5, he creates pieces that make audiences feel.
“Each photo shoot, I have my subjects do different poses. ... I have them portray a different type of emotion,” DiMaria said.
He’s in the advanced photography class at FPC and plans to attend Daytona State College to earn an associate’s degree in photographic technology.
This is the second show with FCAL in which he has placed. Earlier this year, he earned First and Second of Show at the juried art show.
“It’s just something that’s a really big part of my life,” he said. “I haven’t been doing it too long though. It’s just a way to express myself.”
The opening reception showcased poems and arts of different mediums. There were nearly 50 poetry entries — a record number for FCAL's spring show. The poetry competition was held in honor of National Poetry Month. First place for poetry went to Orlando resident Peter M. Gordon for his poem “After Dog Sitting.”
Best of Show for the artists was St. Augustine resident Beverley Ulrich, who won with her “Ascension” acrylic. For a full list of winners, visit https://www.flaglercountyartleague.org/.
