He(ART) of Bellevue Artist:
Rob Tilley
Bellevue Artist Creates Bond Through Photographs
Photographer Rob Tilley captures more than just stunning images. He creates a connection by using visually impactful colors, textures, patterns and designs to pull at the strings of the viewer's emotion. Tilley proclaims that while most graphic arts start with a blank canvas, photography is the exact opposite.
“A photographer’s greatest challenge is to create order out of chaos. Often what is left out of an image is just as important as what is included,” he said. “I strive to create images that are graphically bold and simple, as well as emotionally moving.”
Tilley first became interested in photography more than 40 years ago. He spent most of his college life in a darkroom developing black and white prints. After working in financial service for more than 20 years, he decided to follow his passion and became a full-time photographer. Read on for our Q&A with Tilley:
Q: What type of art do you create?
A: I create photographic prints for display in homes and offices. I sell three types of photographic prints: metal prints (photographs printed on a thin sheet of aluminum), acrylic prints (photographs bonded to a large sheet of acrylic) and traditional photographic prints with mat and frame displayed behind glass.
Q: With your love for traveling internationally, what was it like being able to tell those stories through your photography?
A: 
Travel allows us to experience different cultures and I enjoy creating images with a "sense of place". About 90% of photography is learning how to see and capture what you see as images. I hope everyone who views my photography can enjoy my way of looking at the world.
Q: What is your favorite style of photography?
A: When I am traveling, the differences in different cultures can best be seen in the details. I often shoot closeup shots of the ones I find interesting. Closeup compositions can often be abstract which is also an opportunity for the viewers to use their imagination to see what they want to see.
Q: What is your latest project?
A: Since travel has been severely restricted I have been largely photographing close to home. I often photograph botanical subjects in our garden, the neighborhood and the greater Seattle region. I have also taken several trips for photography in Washington state and Oregon during the pandemic.
Q: Where can people learn more/purchase your art?
A: Art fairs are a great opportunity to view and purchase my artwork. I also have many pieces displayed in our home which is always open to anyone interested in my photography and I offer photographic prints for sale on my website.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share with the Bellevue community?
A: Part of my philosophy regarding photographic art is to create images that you can display for a long time and still enjoy looking at. My subject matter includes nature, culture and the human environment. I hope my images reveal the astonishing beauty and patterns that are often overlooked in places both near and far.
Started in 2020, this blog is part of our He(ART) of Bellevue blog series. Each week leading up to the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market, we'll feature a participating local artist and their story. Support all artists who will be attending this year's in-person arts market by browsing their artwork and portfolios.
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