Introducing Bach Prados
Bach Prados was born in Opelousas, LA, and grew up there. He is a graduate of
Northwestern State University with a degree in Graphic Design and a minor in Photography.
He has explored a wide variety of arts media including painting, drawing, sculpture, 3D wall
pieces, digital imaging, and webpage design. He is currently working with photography and,
occasionally, documentary film. Most recently, he is hand-crafting frames from reclaimed
wood as an alternative to conventional framing for his photography. His work hangs in a
number of private collections throughout the Acadiana area.
Bach has lived and worked in South Louisiana and Maryland. As a member of the US Navy,
he traveled and worked in Illinois, Virginia, California, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Alaska, Japan,
Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Australia. In his role as Tactical Information Coordinator,
he participated in Operation Valiant Shield off the coast of Guam in 2006 and Operation Surge
in 2007 in the South China Sea.
Artist Statement
I simply want to capture the best design composition humanly possible within the boundaries
of my lens and present it to the world, this likely applies to every photographer. Early on, my
subject matter gravitated toward everything baring historical content and began leaning
toward landscapes, primarily sunrises and sunsets. My work arises from my fascination with
the rich history of the Gulf Coast region. Throughout this area I see very interesting and
historically valuable places that are on the verge of disappearing without documentation. I feel
obligated to contribute to their preservation by calling attention to them. I cannot prevent the
disappearance of these sites, but through my lens I can document them. A verified miracle at
the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, the Great Expulsion that led to the
establishment of the Cajun people and culture in Louisiana, the effects of the Civil War on
small towns and communities, are all part of the heritage I continue to work to chronicle.
Who makes up your art circle?
I consider nearly everyone in my life as part of my art circle, they all contribute or inspire me
in their own way. Someone could make a very insignificant statement that somehow triggers
me to head out and grab the next great shot or to present a photo a certain way by creating a
custom frame.
How do you expand your art circle?
Getting people involved, by telling everyone about my photographic endeavors and framing
activity. My enthusiasm usually inspires people to attend whatever the event may be whether
it’s ArtWalk in Lafayette, Uncorked in Sunset or an exhibit at Nunu’s in Arnaudville. It’s at
these events where I believe artists actually come to life and want to discuss their work while
it’s presented in a gallery setting.
What value do you see in having a creative community?
Infinite value comes with a creative community, artists want to execute ideas nonstop.
Creative people are under one umbrella interacting with each other is really the only way to
exist, period. I will always be creative and move forward with my ideas, however, if these
ideas are shared with like minded people it becomes a tribe.
How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?
Since the beginning, people see my work and don’t understand how I found the design
composition in something they see with their own eyes every single day. Framing up my shots
and presenting them the way I have provides new insight and gives people a new perspective
and a whole new way of looking at their surroundings.
Our weekly Art Circle series profiles artists throughout the community and is sponsored in part by Lafayette Visitor Enterprise Fund managed by Lafayette Travel
