Something stands out about Todd Hido’s use of light in his photographs; the Bay Area-based artist captures houses cast in moonlight, and through illuminated windows he hints at the lives that lie within. The images are poetic yet eerie landscapes—well-suited for a contemporary remake of David Lynch’s cult-classic film, Blue Velvet (1986)—and the interiors of motel rooms, where the mystery and sullenness of women and gritty walls compete for our gaze, are just the beginning.

Ever since his first darkroom experience in high school Hido’s been extremely motivated by the medium. His dedication is evident in his accomplishments as a professional photographer: his work has been featured in such high-profile publications as Artforum, the New York Times Magazine, Metropolis, The Face, I.D., and Vanity Fair. His photographs are in the permanent collections of the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Guggenheim Museum, New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SOMA), the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), as well as copious other public and private collections.

Nazraeli Press first published Hido’s work in 2001, an award-winning monograph, House Hunting, its companion monograph, Outskirts (2002), followed by Roaming (2004) and Between the Two (2007). Having each of his monographs sell out is Hido’s proudest achievement to date.

After completing his bachelor of fine arts in 1991 at Tufts University and School of the Museum of Fine Arts (both in Massachusetts), Hido enrolled in CCA’s Graduate Program in Photography, realizing the 3,000-mile-trip would be a unique experience. “Photography was the only thing I was ever really good at,” he admits. “It was a natural choice.”

Upon arriving in the Bay Area the change in environment captivated Hido (and continues to influence and inspire his work): “This is such an incredible place, and it’s perfect for photography.” Additionally, he is aware of the area’s extensive history of photography, the Northern California’s varied landscape, the fog—all of which adds many layers to his photographs. “After living here for awhile, I realized I never want to leave this place.”

At CCA Hido was most influenced by teacher-photographer Larry Sultan: “[Sultan] is incredible.” He was also inspired by CCA’s Interdisciplinary Studies Program in which “students worked with curators, editors, critics, and other artists not normally involved in teaching. This is one of the best aspects of the CCA grad program.”

Of Hido’s memorable college experiences he recalls a narrative workshop with Lynn Kirby and Larry Sultan that introduced him to the cinematic and storytelling aspects photography lends. He also remembers spending Friday nights in the darkroom. “Everyone—there were 16 of us in the Photography Grad Program—was in there printing.”

Today Hido is a part-time adjunct professor in CCA’s photography department. “It’s the perfect situation. I would rather spend most of my time making work, but I love staying connected to this community.” He also was a recent guest editor for an issue of Witness, a journal published by Nazraeli Press, and will present his latest landscapes at Stephen Wirtz Gallery in San Francisco in October 2008.

Born in Akron, OH

CCA degree:
MFA 1996, Photography

Residence:
Oakland, CA

Current occupation:
Photographer; adjunct professor, CCA

Influences at CCA:
Larry Sultan

Website:
www.toddhido.com