Mark Dierker

Artist Statement

With my portraiture I am attempting to show the world all the subtleties that make a person interesting. The little lines and creases in their face that speak to a life of hardship or ease. The way the light falls across them creating shadows that give contrast to the faces and hands. It is these qualities that are often overlooked when one does not take the time to really look at a person.

Biography

Mark loves exploring light and how it is interpreted by a camera.

He began taking photos in the mid-1970's with a fixed lens Yashica camera his
father gave him. In college he developed a love for black and white photography and the sweeping landscapes of the American Southwest. Working for newspapers after college helped hone his skills in portraiture and documentary photography. He gets much of his inspiration from his frequent travels. His favorite genres are landscape, portraiture, musical performance and Americana. He is an award winning photographer having shown in over 200 galleries around the world.

In 2005 he started Bear Dancer Studios to showcase his photographic artwork. He is the owner of Widdershins Gallery at Bear Dancer Studios in Dubuque, IA.

Mark received a BA in Journalism with a minor in photography from Adams State College in Alamosa, CO and is working toward an MA in Communication from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

One of two sons in a military family, Mark was born in Carthage, IL but grew up all over the US. He spent over 25 years in the publishing industry. He is now a freelance photographer and graphic designer and splits his time between his gallery, Widdershins, in Dubuque, IA, and a family farm near Rushville, IL. He lives with Debra, his partner of 28 years and 3 mischievous cats, Gypsy, Ruby and Beryl.

Exhibition History (CV)