Viewfindings is a collection of fourteen paintings that embrace spontaneity and the beginners mindset by Jeff Masamori.

After two decades as a photographer focused on precision, geometry, and clarity, Jeff found himself longing for a beginners mindset. The space to try, fail, and experiment for experimentation’s sake.

This led Jeff toward abstract oil painting, a medium where he could let go of the self-imposed rules that guide his photographic practice. Painting as a way to see the world fresh – without the proxy of a camera lens.

The paintings collected in Viewfindings are a snapshot of a simple object seen during daily walks after the onset of motionaftereffect (a visual illusion of movement experienced after looking at a moving object and then looking at a stationary object).

While still highly photographic in nature, these paintings are Jeff’s attempt to embrace spontaneity and improvisation. They are the evidence of Jeff stepping beyond the lines that have defined the boundaries of his creative practice.