Artist Statement – Bill Squibb
Framing the Unseen: A Journey from Curiosity to Craft
My photographic journey began not with a formal education in the arts, but with a life rich in experiences that shaped the way I see the world. In my twenties, I was living freely on the slopes of California, immersed in the adrenaline of skiing and the carefree energy of youth. But as seasons changed, so did my priorities. Relocating to Texas, I found not only stability but love, family, and eventually—an unexpected passion for photography.
I first picked up a film camera during the early years of marriage, drawn to the mechanics and mystery of capturing light on emulsion. I invested in quality equipment and enrolled in a Nikon-sponsored course, eager to do things “the right way.” Yet, as fatherhood and family life took precedence, the rhythm of image-making paused. During that same time, the photographic world shifted from analog to digital, and I found myself adapting—embracing new tools with the same curiosity that once fueled my early adventures.
Over the years, I’ve grown increasingly attuned to the elements of exposure—shutter speed, aperture, and ISO—but more importantly, I’ve developed a stronger sense of visual storytelling and composition. My photographic interests lean toward the unusual, the architecturally curious, and the subtly humorous—those small details that often go unnoticed but say so much. I’ve never been drawn to conventional portraiture; instead, I find joy in documenting spaces and objects with character.
A parallel passion of mine is woodworking, particularly the crafting of custom picture frames. There’s something deeply satisfying about building the vessel that holds a captured moment. The tactile labor of woodworking complements the visual language of photography—both require patience, precision, and an appreciation for form. Though my fingers have faced their trials with a table saw or two, the marriage of these crafts continues to push me forward, creatively, and technically.
I believe I have a good eye—and more importantly, I am committed to developing it further. Photography, like life, is an evolving practice. I continue to learn not only how to take better pictures but how to see more clearly.
