Kyle Riva

Calgary, Alberta

About the Artist:
Kyle started shooting professionally in 1999 after deciding to order a SLR Camera as a gift for himself. His background in broadcast journalism, asting, public speaking and too many years of customer service work, fueled his interest in photographing people – trying to capture a moment where we see people on a different level. He is mainly self-taught, but has studied photography at SAIT, under the watchful eye of one of his favourite photographers (and friend) George Webber.

His travel have brought him to several provinces in CAnada, a few States in the US, Europe – where he spent time in England, Germany and France and most recently, he travelled to India, where he participated in a Hindu pilgrimage and visited some of the holiest sites in the country.

Kyle works out of Calgary, Alberta, shooting weddings, portraits, events and whatever comes his way. He lives in suburbia with his wondeful significant other, a dog and three cats.

Artist's Statement:
"Persona"   The race may be around a track, it may be in school, it maybe in the workplace. Who or what determines a winner? The one who finishes first? Gets the scholarship? Or gets the raise? A true winner knows the victor lies in the effort put forth towards the goal. During the race, people may pass by and look - smile as they do.

"Issue" and "Division"   Hold on. Hold on for dear life. People are fragile things. When there is damage, we mend, we become stronger. Like bones which snap in two, emotions do the same. Happy. Sad. Determined. Defeated. Lay the feelings on a table for the world to see and look at the pieces. Analyze and rebuild to become whole again.