Tommy Nease is a photographer who finds inspiration in the stark contrasts of the landscape. Through his lens, he explores themes of resilience and connection to the natural world.
Nease’s journey as a photographer was unconventional. Instead of pursuing a traditional college education, he embarked on a series of adventures across the American West during his early twenties, traveling on freight trains and hitchhiking. These experiences, fueled by a curiosity and a love for exploration, became his education, shaping his understanding of the world and influencing his artistic vision. This non-traditional path allowed him to develop an eye for his surroundings that is uniquely his own. Each photograph is a testament to the depth he finds in the world around him.
Now based in Utah, Nease continues to draw inspiration from the rugged landscapes that surround him. He invites viewers to see beyond the surface, to find beauty in the ordinary and meaning in the chaos. When he's not behind the camera, Nease can be found on the front lines of wildfires, where his experiences as a firefighter inform his art. In this setting he discovers moments of clarity and inspiration, channeling the intensity of his experiences into his artistic work.