Gallery Interior 
Image City Photography Gallery
Newsletter
Issue: # 72October 10, 2013

 

  We publish our brief Newsletter during each of our exhibits to pass along information and reviews of the exhibit, photographic tips, selected images and news of other participation opportunities at Image City. We thank you for your interest and we look forward to another great year of fine photographs and events. We hope to see you at each of our 13 shows in 2013.

In This Issue
Our Current Show: "Simply Myanmar"
Peter's and Gallery Picks of the Show
Call for Photographer's Work: The Magic of Light 2014, Our Juried Exhibit
Image City Critiques -- Wednesday, November 6th at 7pm
Upcoming Course at Image City
A Photo Weekend
Calendar of Upcoming Events at Image City

Simply Myanmar 

by Dick Bennett, Hope DellaStua, Chris Kogut, Bob Pierce, an Terri Sipone

Current Show runs through Sunday, October 27 

    

nullThe current exhibit at Image City Photography Gallery is Simply Myanmar a collaborative effort of  five photographers, Dick Bennett,  Hope DellaStua,  Chris Kogut, Bob Pierce and Terri Sipone.  Their  photo expedition to the country of Myanmar was led by Chris Kogut. Peter Marr commented  "The images that she and her fellow artists have on display, tell an inspiring story of a society, where cultural traditions are both alien to most western experiences, and geographically far removed from them." It is a remarkable treat to see portraits of the people, relaxed in their exotic environment. Portions of sales during the exhibit will aid the people of Myanmar. Photographers interested in future photo expeditions to Myanmar are encouraged to  learn of Chris  Kogut's planned future trips and opportunities  to visit the exotic country and of her  humanitarian assistance projects.  We thank EFP Rotenberg, Certified Public Accountants, for their sponsorship of Simply Myanmar. We had a wonderful turnout at the opening reception last Friday, click the link to see a time-lapse video of the festivities produced by Gallery partner, Carl Crumley.

 

Guest photographers in the exhibit are Jim Dusen, returning to the East Gallery, Simon Faber, Dennis Kamp, Jeff Palm and Camera Rochester competition-award-winners Jeno Horvath, Lisa Cook, Anthony Solpietro, Alex Pendleton, Wendy Cohen, and Ron Weetman. We round out the show with work by Gallery Partners and Artists-in-Residence Carl Crumley, Steve Levinson, Gil Maker, Don Menges, Dan Neuberger, Jim Patton, David Perlman, Betsy Phillips, Gary Thompson, Phyllis Thompson and Sheridan Vincent. Twenty-two fine photographers in the exhibit present an excellent study in photographic interests, styles, and variety.
  
Click here for a link to the details and a preview of images in the show. The exhibit runs through Sunday, October 27.  There is no admission fee at Image City and the Gallery is accessible to all.
Peter's and Gallery Picks for the Show

 

During each of our photography exhibits we select "picks" of the show. "Peter's Picks" have been especially popular and we enjoy learning of the insight he brings from his long experience with photographic art. We have also expanded picks to include several made by Gallery Partners. We hope they whet your interest in the exhibit. Click Here to see larger images on our preview of the show webpage.

 

Peter Marr's first selection is Through a Child's Eyes by Chris Kogut. "This superlative and enlightening exhibition is a wonderful tribute to Chris, whose love and dedication for the plight of the heroic Burmese people is remarkable and heartwarming. The images that she and her fellow artists have on display, tell an inspiring story of an impoverished and oppressed society, where cultural traditions are both alien to most western experiences, and geographically far removed from them."

 

"Of all the captivating images in the Simply Myanmar exhibition, the highlight for me is this striking portrait of a beautiful young girl. It ranks right alongside Steve McCurry's photograph of the "Afghan Girl", as two of the most magnificent and remarkable images of our generation. In Chris's portrait, there is a sublime power and uplifting grace that is just awesome, coupled with a sense of both wonder and innocence that could only come from a child. The latter's imaginary fulfillment is strongly augmented by her delicate hands, captured charismatically in an act of appreciation and inward happiness."

 

"The viewer is immediately drawn to the most priceless part of the portrait, namely the beautiful, wide-open eyes, that both welcome you in to melt your heart, and outwardly, evoke a passionate feeling of both hope and compassion, both for herself, and for the future of her proud and courageous people. Photographically and artistically, this portrait is masterly in every respect. The color palette is exceptional, and the gorgeous soft lighting is magical, resulting in every important detail being highlighted to perfection. The subdued background and creative vignetting, all contribute to an exquisite portrait that is both prophetic and inspirational. The portrait expands our vision and personal horizons, with both awe and wonderment, and evokes an inner response in the observer to the world around the young girl, so that we are at one with the eternal spirit of the Burmese people."

 

Peter's second selection is Reflections of a Monk by Terri Sipone. "Like many of the great prints in this exhibition, this image exquisitely and eloquently, captures both the richness and grandeur and the abject poverty commonly found in Burma. The powerful and dramatic natural lighting, gloriously illuminates every facet of this regal hallway of a sumptuous, grand building, whose outstanding architecture is highlighted by magnificent columns and archways that imposingly frame an opulent scene of awesome brilliance. The elegant design details, and the impressive vibrancy of rich harmonic colors arouse the viewer's emotions and appeal to, and captivate their subconscious feelings. As if that were not enough, one is rewarded by the whole scene being recorded as a mirror-like reflection on the gleaming tiled floor. Beyond this luxurious hallway is an open courtyard that is highlighted by two large windows, both of which are graced with traditional, elegantly carved frames of great beauty. Dramatically walking through this imperial setting is a Buddhist monk, wearing the habitual crimson robe, a color that is repeated many times in the tiles and brick designs of the columns. Like the structures around him, he also casts a lifelike reflection in the floor of the hallway. For myself, I would like to think that in this palatial setting, the monk himself appears as an island of serenity, and this feeling is supported by the presence of a man, humbly clothed, sitting on the pristine floor, and resting his back against one of the ornate columns. With his feet tucked under him, and his legs slightly apart, it is reasonable to assume that he is cradling an alms bowl, for some small reward from the prosperous people who frequent this place. The only question that remains to be answered, is what is the monk doing in this rich environment? Rather than try to answer this, I would leave it up to every viewer who loves and enjoys this inspiring image like I certainly do, to take the time to ponder for themselves, the mystery of the Buddhist monk in a truly illustrious setting."

  

 

For his third selection, Peter chose Pilgrim Water Station by Dick Bennett commenting "This enchanting image was creatively seen and superbly captured and printed by the artist, resulting in a strong visual statement that has a spirit and vitality. The soft, directional lighting brings out every intricate detail and texture to perfection, from the bench and shelf contents, to the background wall and floor slabs. The lovely illumination also enhances the tonal range and values of the warm hues of browns, yellows and earthy-colored details, that all contribute to give this "Water Station" an inviting and necessary presence for everyone to appreciate. The bench and its contents, although weathered and worn is certainly strong and imposing, a witness to thousands of pilgrims who have passed by over eons of time, and who have gratefully partaken of the water that this life-saving station has provided. The stucco-like wall with its fading paint surface and myriad of cracks, adds to the historic nature of this picturesque, enigmatic setting. The delightful, traditional water pots, together with their intricately woven bamboo 'hats' are two striking elements that no doubt are the pride of local artisans who have created these lovely containers to withstand the passage of time, without leaking their precious contents. The colorful, graceful water ladle hung on the wall and the earthenware dish on the lower shelf complete this quiescent scene. The only things missing are the pilgrims themselves, devout people, who after traveling bare-footed over untold miles and relentless changes in elevation, traversing rugged steps and ill-kept trails, through extreme weather conditions, finally reach this much welcomed oasis to quench their thirst. This station offers little sustenance, but in the pilgrim's minds, it is a life saving stop on the way to a monastery or holy site, and they are forever grateful as they leave what precious alms they have in the dish on the shelf of the bench. The artist has sublimely captured a water station that has changed very little, but is just as important today as it was centuries ago. A truly exquisite and meaningful image."

 

 

Our first gallery pick in the exhibit is by Hope DellaStua, titled Tastes Good. "Hope mentioned in her artist statement that she was most influenced by the simplicity of life in Myanmar as well as how peaceful and content the people seemed to her. This wonderful image captures exactly that and isn't that what we try to achieve as photographers? Street photography is very challenging. The photographer often likes to have the images appear as if they, the photographers, were not there; as if they were invisible in order to capture a truly un-rehearsed and un-posed image. Hope was able to do that here. These children seem totally unaware of her presence as they work to devour their ears of corn. Their eyes are closed tightly to concentrate on the job at hand. What captured my attention the most was the position of their feet. The taller boy has an almost ballerina pose, while the shorter fellow has his feet dug in for the chore at hand. The two images fill the frame well and the saffron robes contrast effectively against the soft yellow building. The black bowls accent the image nicely. This is a well composed and carefully thought out image."

 

The second gallery pick is Leg Rower by Bob Pierson. This wonderful image of Bob's is all about light and detail from the silhouetted "rower" in the fore ground to the soft morning sky. There is a sense of tranquility as this early morning fisherman sets out for the day. The scene is so "quiet" you can almost hear the paddle stroke the water guided by a single leg push. The fisherman balances deftly on the very stern of his craft and yet still is able to manage his fishing net with one hand. All of this detail is obvious to us with a mere silhouette. The landscape image in the top half is equally remarkable as the photographer captures the delicate mist rising off the water into the morning and beautifully lit sky. Some might argue that there are two images here; the fisherman and the landscape horizon. In fact if you visually cover each half with your hand you will see these as potentially two distinct images each having it's own merit. The very small stream of water, perhaps the current, in the middle of the image neatly ties the two half together with an "S" curve coming off the bow of the boat and bringing our eye back to the hut at center and the other building to the right. This is a classically composed image employing many traditional photographic elements. Well seen. Excellent work!

Call for Work: The Magic of Light 2014 at Image City

 

After six successful editions of our annual juried show, we are pleased to let you know that there will certainly be another. The theme of the 2014 Image City Juried Theme Show is again titled The Magic of Light. The theme is open, to give you freedom to create astonishing photographs. The exhibit of selected photographs will be in January 2014 at Image City.

 

You can find all details for your submission at the special link: The Magic of Light 2014 Call Page. The same information is also available via the Image City Website.  If you have any question, please feel free to contact me at Gilbert.Maker@ImageCityPhotographyGallery.com  or by phone at 585-271-2540.
 
All Gallery Partners look forward to receiving your submission by November 18, 2013 -- even better, if we receive it before October 26 - see the details on the link above. Feel free to forward this announcement to any of your friends and relatives who might be interested in participating in the Image City Juried Show, The Magic of Light 2014. There is a forward email link at the bottom of this Newsletter.

 

Gilbert Maker, Gallery Partner
Chairman of the 2014 Juried Show at Image City.

Image City Critiques

At Image City on Wednesday, November 6 at 7pm

 
The Image City Critique Group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 pm. Anyone is welcome. For more information send an email to Don Menges (dmenges@rochester.rr.com) .The next Critique Group meeting is Wednesday, November 6th. The November assignment is as follows;

 1. If you went on the Kelby walk (October 5th) bring 3-5 images from that day. It will be fun to compare what each of us shot.

2. If you did NOT  go on the Kelby walk you can still go and shoot where we did. Simply walk up and down South Ave. and perhaps Gregory St. and Clinton Ave. S. There's a lot more to shoot than you think. Then we can compare what you do with what we did.

3. If The Swillberg area doesn't excite you all that much, try and take some urban shots anywhere in the City. Bring in 3-5 shots.

4. If none of the above floats your boat... go and shoot anything you like and bring in 3-5 images.

Remember.... THINK about the image you are going to capture BEFORE you take it. Is the perspective interesting? Have you filled the frame with information that leads to or frames the subject? Is the subject obvious? Have you used good photographic techniques to compose your image?  Does the image tell a story? All of these, and more, are what make us MORE than a snap shot shooter!
A Course at Image City

Creating Great Photographs with Adobe Lightroom 5.0

 

This fall at Image City one class will be offered: Creating Great Photographs with Adobe Lightroom 5.0 by Steve Levinson. Click Lightroom for the full details on our website describing the course. "Less time on the computer and more time taking and making great images!" Class starts October 17 for four consecutive Thursday Nights from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the Pittsford Flour Mill, 15 Schoen Place, in Pittsford and there are still a few openings. Gallery Partners are also available for one-to-one coaching with details also described at the Courses link.

Rocky Mountain School of Photography Workshop
A Photo Weekend in Rochester         
 
The Rocky Mountain School of Photography is holding a "Photo Weekend" in Rochester on October 26 & 27. Image City Photography Gallery is proud to participate in this exciting photography experience, so look for our display booth at the event site -- Monroe Community College.
 
At a Photo Weekend the instructors hold simultaneous sessions on various subjects so you can choose the items that interest you most. Advance registration is required. Click on this link to visit the RMSP website and reserve your space.
 
See you there!
Calendar of Events
Image City Photography Gallery, 722 University Avenue 

 

October 27 Last day for Simply Myanmar by Dick Bennett, Hope DellaStua, Chris Kogut, Bob Pierce and Terri Sipone.

October 26 and 27 The Rocky Mountain School of Photography Photo Weekend

October 30 Opening day for Roads Less Traveled by Phyllis and Gary Thompson and Friends    

November 1 Artist's Reception for  Roads Less Traveled 5 - 9 pm.
November 1 First Friday Gallery Night 5 - 9 pm.
November 6 Image City Critiques 7pm at Image City

Image City Photography Gallery   Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11 - 7, Sunday Noon - 4  
 

There is no admission fee to visit Image City Photography Gallery.

Contact Information

 Image City Photography Gallery, 722 University Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607

585.271.2540 
website: www.ImageCityPhotographyGallery.com 

 

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to create a satisfying exhibition and learning experience for photographers and the art loving community.