TAC Member Highlight: Robert Alfred Wakely 3, From Floppy Disks to Fine Art

What sparks a lifelong passion? For Robert Wakeley, the journey began with a one-megapixel Sony digital camera while living in Australia. This early encounter ignited a fascination for “documenting my world and telling stories through photography,” a seed that would blossom into a multifaceted artistic career.

While initially drawn to the power of the written word as a creative writing major in college, the pull of visual arts proved stronger. Immersing himself in photography, printmaking, and sculpture, he found guidance and inspiration from insightful professors who “challenged me to grow as I learned to express myself and master the various mediums.” This foundational period culminated in a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the College of Santa Fe, New Mexico, setting the stage for his next chapter.

Returning to his hometown of Tulsa, Robert accepted a position teaching photography at Booker T. Washington High School. “I absolutely loved the opportunity to teach a three-year tiered program,” Robert reminisced. From the intricacies of analog film (small, medium, and large format) to the cutting-edge digital lab equipped with Macs, PCs, scanners, DSLRs, and even drones, he nurtured the next generation of visual storytellers.

Following his tenure with Booker T., Robert’s educational path continued with a position teaching commercial photography at Oklahoma State University. Though the program faced budget cuts after a couple of years, this transition became a catalyst for a renewed focus on personal artistic goals. Two key intentions emerged: documenting the vibrant local arts scene and making art more tangible.

Driven by a desire to support Tulsa's burgeoning artists and musicians, he began capturing promotional imagery for Mayfest posters, rock show flyers, and countless other publications. “I have had the honor of helping many emerging Tulsa artists get their image and work out there and I am proud to be a part of a thriving community that supports growing artists.”

Simultaneously, a yearning to see his work exist beyond the digital realm led to a focus on self-publishing limited-run photobooks. This desire for tangibility extended to other artistic outlets. Over 270 drawings of his dog, Louie, culminated in a book, with the originals gifted to friends and he has plans for future exhibitions. Embracing the unexpected, he also creates digital illustrations using MS Paint, printing and distributing these unique “op-arts.” Robert explains that his exploration of diverse mediums underscores the belief that “it’s important for an artist to have multiple creative outlets, so as not to get entrenched into one way of seeing and creating.”

The Creative Flow: Experimentation as a Guiding Force

For this artist, the creative process is fluid and adaptable, influenced by his diverse artistic endeavors. Drawing often begins with an old photograph of his dog, focusing on line, style, texture, and emotional resonance. The digital illustrations are a meditative, slow build-up of compositional elements, patterns, and textures. “I begin by meditating for a bit on how I want to build a work over time ... These are meant to be a slow, additive process, in which I build up a surface of digital textures that loosely resemble the original idea or motivation for the piece.”

Photography, on the other hand, is informed by decades of experience across various genres – studio and environmental portraiture, explorations of abandoned spaces, nature, and the energy of rock and roll. The guiding principle? “I shoot what interests me and let the work weave itself together over time.” Experimentation isn’t a separate stage but an inherent part of this organic process.

Studio vs. Outdoors: Control and Adventure

Reflecting on the contrasting environments of studio and outdoor photography, Robert highlights the element of control offered by the studio. It allows for a focused exploration of communication, timing, and nuanced lighting to craft intentional emotional tones. “These works are intended to portray or illuminate, not necessarily the ‘best side’ of a person, but the truth of their depth as an individual.”

However, the allure of the outdoors lies in its unpredictable nature. “Shooting outdoors is so much more of an adventure,” he explains. “The lighting and atmosphere can change in an instant,” and become part of the narrative. His preference for unconventional locations like dumps or abandoned houses adds layers of intrigue, exploring how subjects interact with their surroundings and how that interplay contributes to the “bigger picture.”

An Evolving Style: Embracing Versatility

The artist's style is deeply intertwined with his years as a high school photography teacher. This experience fostered a desire to “explore a variety of processes and approaches so that over time my work does not become stale and predictable.” At its core, his artistic style is about “responding to the moment.” Whether through the immediacy of a drawing or the captured silence of a photograph, being present and invested in the details that communicate an emotional state is paramount. He strives for a balance between a refined aesthetic honed over time and a “childlike approach that is not dependent on perfection.”

Staying Inspired: Cultivating a Creative Friendship

Motivation, he believes, is akin to a valued friendship – nurtured over time but never forced. While finding the time and energy can be a challenge, the act of creating has always been a source of relaxation and invigoration. “The ability to capture a moment with a model and paint that silence with an appropriate expressive volume through technique and editing is just something that comes naturally after decades of practice.”

Visiting galleries and museums with family is a significant source of inspiration, providing exposure to large-scale works and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts. Regular visits to institutions like Crystal Bridges, the Nelson-Atkins, and the local Philbrook Museum fuel his creative spirit.

Advice for Aspiring Photographers:

Drawing from years of experience, the photographer offers invaluable advice to those embarking on his photographic journey:

• Be Prepared: Have your gear charged, extra batteries, extra SD cards, anything you might need for the shoot ready. Bring your model a cold water, maybe even have a candy bar in your car.

• Do Your Visual Research (Responsibly): Immerse yourself in the work of other photographers, both past and present, to glean inspiration without resorting to imitation. Develop your own unique perspective. “I like to breeze through a couple of favorites before I go out, maybe Annie Liebovitz, Robert Frank, or other more recent photographers.”

• Learn from Experience: Seek out opportunities to intern or assist experienced photographers to gain firsthand knowledge of his workflow.

• Dare to Be Different: Strive to find your unique visual voice. Go beyond simply pointing and shooting; explore what makes your vision stand out.

Looking Ahead:

Exciting projects are on the horizon, including a portrait series of his wife and son in diverse landscapes, envisioned as a future book and exhibition. While recent self-published book projects mean a temporary pause on that front, a departure into video/film in collaboration with a musician friend promises new creative avenues.

Hometown Influence:

Being from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has subtly shaped his artistic sensibilities. Growing up in a “blue island in a deeply red state” may have contributed to a general avoidance of overtly political themes. However, the immediate access to diverse rural landscapes – from mountains to prairies – has profoundly influenced the balance between landscape and portraiture in his work.

From the early fascination with documenting the world to a dedicated career in photography, education, and community engagement, this artist’s journey is one of curiosity, continuous learning, and a deep connection to both the craft and the creative community. His story reminds us that the path of an artist is often “long and winding,” but each experience, from floppy disks to fine art prints, contributes to a unique and evolving vision.

Learn more about the artist:

Website: https://robertwakeley.format.com

 Books: https://www.blurb.com/user/RAWakeley3