About

Fine art photographer and SAIT graduate Jeff Cruz in his downtown studio with one of his framed prints, titled "Antelope Waves." Cruz recently celebrated the four-year anniversary of his photography business.— Amanda Siebert, The WEAL

Photo: Amanda Siebert, The WEAL

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Contact
jeff [at] jeffcruz [dot] ca
Calgary, Alberta

Bio
Jeff Cruz is a Calgary-based photographer known for creating abstract and surreal photographs by incorporating time and movement into his images. The attraction to a Jeff Cruz photograph is similar to the attraction of a Colour Field painting; an abstract style that emerged in New York City during the post-war era. Jeff’s work places less emphasis on location in favour of colour and form. The colour and camera movements create the subject.

His work has been exhibited across Canada and published in magazines in North America as well as Europe. In 2012, his photograph “Forever” graced the cover of PhotoSolution magazine. He is the recipient of various awards including an Artist Opportunity Grant from the Calgary Arts Development. Jeff has previously held an Editor of Photography position for publications such as Mabuhay News and WAX magazine. His work has been the subject of radio broadcasts and television documentaries. Jeff’s project, 100 Years 100 Faces of the Stampede included photographing over 100 strangers during the Calgary Stampede Centennial. An article about the work was published in PhotoLife Magazine.

In his most recent series, Slice of Life, the images interpret abstract expressions of life events. The work represents significant stages in the artist’s own life journey. The feelings and emotions he remembers are what shape the colour and form of each piece. Balance and order have been important factors throughout Cruz’s life. The struggle for balance and order is a key element of his work.

In this series, time and location are irrelevant. The subject is colour and form. As a whole, the work aims to provide an experiential journey of pure emotion. Slice of Life is a visual meditation of consciousness; something that we tend to forget exists, especially in our physical world.

Solo Exhibitions
2015
Instant Two – Endeavor Art Gallery (Calgary, AB)
2014
Festival Nation – The Peanut Gallery (Calgary, AB)
2013
100 Years 100 Faces of the Stampede – Resolution Art Gallery (Calgary, AB)
2012
Instant Art – Resolution Art Gallery (Calgary, AB)
2011
Cityscapes – Cafe Koi (Calgary, AB)

Group Exhibitions
2016
PULSE – Inglewood Fine Arts (Calgary, AB)
2015
Realities Apart – Inglewood Fine Arts (Calgary, AB)
Roads – Arta Gallery (Toronto, ON)
2013
Surreal – Endeavor Art Gallery (Calgary, AB)
2010
Clash – Perspective Art Gallery (Calgary, AB)
2009
1111 Art Exhibit – 1111 Pop-up Gallery (Calgary, AB)
Breathless in Trinidad & Tobago – Pursuit Art Gallery (Calgary, AB)
2008
A Tale of 3 Cities – Pursuit Art Gallery (Calgary, AB)

Event Exhibitions
2015
Open – Untitled Arts Society, Calgary, AB
Nikon Professionals Exhibition Tour – Super Wonder Gallery (Toronto, ON)
Nikon Professionals Exhibition Tour – Le Lycée (Montreal, QC)
Nikon Professionals Exhibition Tour – Vancouver Aquarium (Vancouver, BC)
Nikon Professionals Exhibition Tour – Gerry Thomas Gallery (Calgary, AB)
2014
Knock Knock – Untitled Arts Society (Calgary, AB)
Western Showcase Photo Gallery – Calgary Exhibition & Stampede (Calgary, AB)
2013
Knock – Untitled Arts Society (Calgary, AB)
2012
Western Showcase Photo Gallery – Calgary Exhibition & Stampede (Calgary, AB)
2011
Calgary Timeraiser – Flames Central (Calgary, AB)
Western Showcase Photo Gallery – Calgary Exhibition & Stampede (Calgary, AB)
2010
Calgary Timeraiser – Flames Central (Calgary, AB)
Western Showcase Photo Gallery – Calgary Exhibition & Stampede (Calgary, AB)
2009
Calgary Timeraiser – Flames Central (Calgary, AB)
Worldwide WOW Exhibition – Artists of the World Gallery (Calgary, AB)
2008
Worldwide WOW Exhibition – Four by Five Gallery (Calgary, AB)

Awards & Recognition
Moscow International Foto Awards, honorable mention in Fine Art Abstract, 2016
International Photography Awards, honorable mention in Fine Art Abstract, 2015
JPG Magazine Best-Of Competition, placed 2nd, 2015
PhotoSolutions Magazine Cover, April-May Issue, 2013
Western Showcase, honourable mention, 2013
Outpost Magazine Photo Contest, runner-up 2013
PhotoLife Magazine World We Live In Contest, placed 3rd, 2012
CPC Elevate Photo Competition, placed 3rd in Capture Canada, 2008
CPC Elevate Photo Competition, placed 1st in Capture Canada, 2007

Media
Amanda Siebert, “SAIT Graduate Celebrates Four Years”, The Weal, November, 2013. (link)
TelusTV, “Surreal Photography”, myCalgary, February, 2013. (link)
Mabuhay Calgary, “Photography Exhibit Showcases iPhone Art“, Mabuhay Calgary, March, 2012.
CityTV, “Grand Photography”, Breakfast Television, September 12, 2011.
Kimberly Molnar Interview, “WOW Gala”, Media Classified, November 9, 2008.
Jennifer Blackwood Interview, “Breathless in Trinidad & Tobago”, SAIT Alumni Link, Fall 2008.
Andy Gregory, Interview, AM660 Radio Calgary, June 14, 2008.
Faye Josue, “Gala WOWs ’em!”, Calgary Sun, November 18, 2007

Publications
“Nothing Stands Still”, Vault Magazine, January 2014.
“100 Years 100 Faces of the Stampede”, PhotoLife Magazine, July 2013.
“The World We Live In”, PhotoLife Magazine, May 2013.
“West Coast Pt.3, Seattle, Coffee Central of the Pacific”, Mabuhay Calgary, February 2011.
“West Coast Pt.2, In the Capital”, Mabuhay Calgary, December 2010.
“West Coast Pt.1, On the Island”, Mabuhay Calgary, November 2010.
“San Francisco Pt.2, Sights, Sounds, and Smells”, Mabuhay Calgary, September 2010.
“San Francisco Pt.1, Everything in One City”, Mabuhay Calgary, August 2010.
“Trinidad & Tobago Pt.2, Beaches, Beaches, Beaches!”, Mabuhay Calgary, June 2010.
“Trinidad & Tobago Pt.1, Carnival Time!”, Mabuhay Calgary, May 2010.
“Chicago Pt.3, Hot Dogs Chicago Style”, Mabuhay Calgary, April 2010.
“Chicago Pt.2, Pizza Chicago Style”, Mabuhay Calgary, December 2009.
“Chicago Pt.2, Pizza Chicago Style”, Mabuhay Calgary, December 2009.
“Chicago Pt.1, A Frank Lloyd Wright Destination”, Mabuhay Calgary, November 2009.
“The Pursuit: Digital Art”, Eleventh Transmission, Issue 16, November 2007.
“Globalfest 2007”, Eleventh Transmission, Issue 14, September 2007.
“Four Days in the Forrest”, Eleventh Transmission, Issue 14, September 2007.
“Hidden Meanings”, Eleventh Transmission, Issue 13, August 2007.
“Coachella 2007: Music Over Laundry”, Eleventh Transmission, Issue 12, July 2007.