Installation of "A Quiet Beauty"

Yesterday, I installed my exhibition, “A Quiet Beauty,” at Soho Photo Gallery in New York City. The exhibition will run from January 11 – February 5.

This series of twelve photographs is inspired by the hanging scrolls of Chinese and Japanese artists from past centuries. My intent is to create scrolls that convey a quiet beauty, such as ones that might be found in the tokonoma (alcove) of a Japanese home.

I intentionally chose this part of the gallery for my exhibition. It is located upstairs in a more secluded space, allowing the viewer to be alone with the images and to calmly engage with them.

"Picturing New York" at Soho Photo Gallery

Metropolitan Museum, American Wing

As part of Soho Photo Gallery's continuing celebration of its 50th anniversary, an exhibition, Picturing New York, is on view now through September 11. The show, which has images from both current and former members, fills the entire gallery. This photograph, taken at the Met Museum in 2018, is one of my two prints that were selected for the show.

I sometimes wonder how I can transition so easily between photographing the natural world and the built environment, like this scene at the Met. It certainly helps that I feel comfortable in both milieus, but I suspect there is more to it. One of the things I like about photography is that it can give me insight into myself. Why did I make a certain photograph? What is it about a scene I like that resonates with me? I believe that there are themes that I respond to which transcend the setting or environment I am in — shadow and light, the passage of time, quiet spaces, beauty in ordinary but often overlooked objects, etc.

But all of this analysis usually takes place after I click the shutter. At the time of making the exposure I simply may feel there is something here worth capturing.

Hanging Scrolls to be Exhibited

Since my last post, I have continued working on my hanging scrolls project, and I am now nearing completion of a series of scrolls for exhibition. They will be on view in the Annual New Marlborough Artists show at the New Marlborough Meeting House Gallery in the Berkshires from September 2 to October 2.

The project was an exciting creative challenge for me, both in concept and production. I was inspired by the traditional hanging scrolls of China and Japan, but I wanted to give a contemporary interpretation to my scrolls using photographic processes and materials. I eventually decided to print on canvas inkjet paper. The canvas printing paper serves as a substitute for the silk often used in traditional Asian scrolls. It is strong, yet it can be hung easily and rolled up like a traditional scroll.

I had never printed on canvas-backed paper before, and I had my share of printing failures, but I finally learned how to make the proper adjustments on the printer to work with this medium. Also, because the printed scroll will not be framed behind glass like a typical photographic print, I give the canvas a special spray coating to help protect it from fingerprints and harmful UV rays.

So after having learned some new skills and techniques, I am looking forward to finally exhibiting my scrolls.

May Snowfall 1 as a hanging scroll.

Spencertown Academy Juried Photography Show

Two of my photographs have been selected for this show.

Yoshino Cherry Trees

Yoshino Cherry Trees

Opening Reception
Saturday, June 22, 4 PM – 6 PM

Exhibition Dates:
June 23 through July 14, 2019

Spencertown Academy
Arts Center

790 Route 203, Spencertown, NY

Gallery Hours:
1 PM – 5 PM
Saturday and Sunday

Driftwood, Bandon Beach

Driftwood, Bandon Beach