Alan J. Lew
Born: Houston, TX

In the lateness of 97' I discovered the camera. I didn't think much of it. All I possessed was a boxy point and shoot. Months before moving to Austin, TX in March of 99' I would use this instrument daily to record my everyday life and lives of others. When in fact I knew things were not very interesting - the camera would elaborate these scenes to make them look much better. These early pictures would end up being very important to me for two reasons. The first reason being my need for nostalgia when these people in my life would no longer be around due to the army and drugs.

The second reason is that I later learned that photography can be used to make things you see everyday much more beautiful and surreal when the truth is your environment is a toilet. I remember once saying to myself - "I can even make my ashtray seem quite attractive if given a roll of slide film and a cable release." 

Started doing night photography in July of 99' in Los Angeles when I could not get to sleep before 5am. Worked with an old Minolta until I got a Canon in Dec. of that year for Christmas. During the late night hours of extreme awakenings I would travel by foot into the Hollywood Hills and infamous places of murder that I had only read about in books during High School. Most memorable places for me would be the "Houdini Mansion" up Laurel Cyn. and the Sal Mineo murder spot. Laurel Cyn. is a harsh road to walk up. Once the sidewalk ends you must look out for incoming cars, and since the road is one huge spiral uphill the danger of being hit climbs high. Of course carrying a camera case and heavy tripod will only make things more difficult.

Doing night photography can be a frightening hobby in a city full of night crawlers and self-destructive drunks. Even though I hold a knife in pocket it still leaves room for unexpected visitors that make you wish you would have stayed with late TV.

To purchase any of these paintings, or for more information please contact Alan J. Lew by email     Click here for Alan's Gallery