ARTIST STATEMENT
Essentially, I am a storyteller... and the job of any good storyteller is to tell tales that not only entice the imagination, but touch the heart and engage the mind. Capturing images of significance, enriched with emotion and nostalgia is the creative pulse behind my body of work. Many of my photographs convey storylines of personal growth, social concerns, and life struggles which empower, inspire and humble the spirit.

Influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and the Harlem Renaissance, the works of James VanDerZee, Gordon Parks, and Roy DeCarava have truly helped me discover and define my style. Their ability to caputre emotion, intrigue the mind and tell a story is what inspired me. The square format has also played a defining roll in developing my style. It lends a warmth and aesthetic punch the helps focus and frame my story.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Award-Winning Photographer, Clifton Henri (30) was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. He attended Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa where he received his BA in Communication and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), in Savanah, Georgia where he received his MFA in Graphic Design. Currently a freelance Art Director and Photographer, Clifton has self-published 8 calendars featuring his talents as a photographer, designer and writer. Clifton has worked with clients such as Disney, McDonalds, Dow Chemical, The Chicago Sun-Times... and is currently working on his first book.

AWARDS
2008 Katrina Hadley Award - 57th Street Art Fair (IL)
2008 Best in Show - Bucktown Art Festival (IL)
2008 Curator's Choice Artist - Around the Coyote Fall Festival (IL)

2009 Award of Distinction - Winter Park Art Festival (FL)
2009 Award of Excellence - Art at the Promenade (IL)
2009 Best in Photography - East Lansing Art Festival (MI)
2009 Best in Photography - Wells Street Art Festival (IL)
2009 Best in Show - Arts, Beats and Eats (MI)
2009 Editor's Choice Award - CBS Capture My Chicago (IL)

2010 Black Creativity Artist - Museum of Science and Industry (IL)
2010 1st Place in 2D - Art Fest Ft. Myers (FL)
2010 3rd in Show Award - South Miami Rotary Art Festival (FL)
2010 Award of Merit - Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (FL)
2010 Reddy Memorial Award - Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (FL)
2010 Best in Photography - Art City Austin (TX)
2010 Diamond Purchase Award - East Lansing Art Festival (MI)
2010 Merit Award - Edina Arts Festival (MN)