Neil Clemons: Writing, Photography, and the Art of Word–Image Fusion
An artist of many talents
Neil Clemons is a Spokane‑based writer, editor, photographer, and small‑press publisher whose work blends memoir, poetic language, and visual art into a distinctive hybrid form. His creative identity is rooted in what he calls “PhoTEXTography”—the pairing of photographic images with poems, quotations, or short reflective texts to deepen the emotional and interpretive resonance of each piece. LinkedIn
✦ Artistic Approach
Clemons describes himself as a “hyphenated artist—Writer‑Photographer”, emphasizing that his work is not a career but a form of play, exploration, and expressive freedom. His photography—especially in his later years—is intentionally whimsical, expressive, and exploratory, celebrating the joy of image‑making and the creative possibilities of digital editing. potteryplaceplus.com
He often “marries visual images with poems, quotes, and pithy ideas,” seeking to amplify and deepen the meaning of both text and image. The result is art that invites viewers into a “spirit‑lifting enterprise,” where the photograph becomes a doorway into reflection, humor, or emotional insight. potteryplaceplus.com
✦ Exhibitions and Public Presence
Clemons’ work has been featured in Spokane’s arts community, including as a Guest Artist at Pottery Place Plus, where his show Pics/Poems/Pinions presented his photography alongside the leatherwork of Joanne Wissink. The exhibition highlighted his signature word‑image compositions and his commitment to accessible, playful art. Issuu
✦ Writing Background
Before devoting himself to hybrid art, Clemons worked as a journalist—including a period as a staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal—and later as an editor and publisher through his imprint Skyzblue Arts. His writing includes memoir, especially reflections on the Vietnam War era, as well as poetry and short prose.