As a licensed commercial pilot and photographer, Robert Nord combines his interests in World War II military aircraft and photography by capturing the remarkable pre- and post-war subjects up close and in-flight then transforming them into unique pieces of art. His work is on display in the John Wayne Airport Community Focus Space from December 17, 2019 – January 16, 2020.
“Passengers and aviation history enthusiasts alike who travel through John Wayne Airport are sure to enjoy Robert Nord’s work featuring vintage aircraft of the World War II era,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett. “Next time you are traveling through, take a moment to view and admire his exhibit throughout the Airport.”
A Southern California native, Nord is self-taught in fine arts, particularly in the field of videography and photography. While taking conventional photography images, he became inspired to add metal into his artwork and developed a unique style and technique that he calls “Nordarte.”
“Conventional photography is a marvelous thing, and printing photographs on metal adds significant vitality to any image. By taking the main subject of the image, cutting it from metal, and mounting it above the background, I have achieved the look of separating the subject from its background in the most dynamic way possible,” said Nord. “I refer to this technique as Nordarte – a blending of photography, computer graphics, computer-controlled cutting equipment, hand finishing, and design to create these works of art.”
Nord has taught video editing and special effects classes for more than 12 years in the North Orange Coast Community College District. In addition to his warbird art, his other work, including 1950s California Highway metal signs, vintage dragsters, and garden and sealife photography, have been exhibited at the Planes of Fame Museum, Laguna Art-A-Faire, Dana Point Art Walk, and San Clemente Art Fair, as well as continuous showing at the Lyon Air Museum.
Nord’s exhibit may be viewed (pre-security) on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B, and C and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4. To learn more about his artwork, visit www.nordarte.com.
Upcoming Community Focus Space artists include painter Elizabeth Nguyen-Espinosa (January 17 – February 13, 2019) and photographer Breck Rothage (February 14 – March 19). For more information about JWA’s Art Programs, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits/.