Richard Slechta’s artwork is contemporary, influenced by his professional career in the use of light and technology. He long ago abandoned the use of lens-based photography. His experiences have given him a unique approach to process and layering of elements that define his work. He approaches art photography with a colorful yet distinctively minimalistic style. His approach is physical, with a studio practice involving painting, sculpture and photography.

Born in Oregon, he grew up on a farm where he learned the value of hard work, craftsmanship and ingenuity. He took an early interest in working on and experimenting with available materials — wood, plastics, plaster, paint, and photography— combining physical processes with elements of chemistry.

He received a scholarship to study fine art photography at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Graduating with honors in 1995, Richard began an extraordinary string of experiences and careers, centered on the thematic use of light.

One of the first to be trained in the use of commercial high-end digital photography field, he had a successful career as the studio photographer for Van Cleef & Arpels. A few years later, he made the leap to video production for advertising and branding. In 2002, he decided to take his visual career to the next level and work on movies.

He graduated in 2004 from Gnomon School in Hollywood with a degree in lighting for film visual effects. He became a Lighting Technical Director, creating computer generated photo-realistic creatures. His feature films include Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix; and, Stephen King’s The Mist. He expanded his lighting and compositing expertise working at Blizzard Entertainment’s film department on World of Warcraft™, Starcraft™ and Diablo™. In parallel, he continued his studio practice, painting and creating photographic images.

2012 marked a turning point, with Richard leaving the commercial field to fully dedicate to his art practice.

Based in Los Angeles, his work has been included in various group exhibitions in Los Angeles as well as in New York City and Tokyo, Japan. He is an active member of the Los Angeles Art Association.