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Thoughtful
.a -
engaged
in or given to meditation; considerate (of).
I decided after
looking at all the photographs submitted that this word would be
my guide for selecting the work for the show.
I began to look for photographers who seem to be thinking
out loud. To me
photography is a visual language and the camera operator is
trying to convey a message, a thought or an idea no matter how
big or small it might be. Janet Bell’s
VISTA is on the grand side of this scale.
Who would not want to be in her place? It is a grand
vista yet evokes a sense of peace. The same thoughtfulness is in
William Brennan’s DUSK#II
an epic view that stills the heart… and reminds me to stop by
the bait shop for some fresh squid. On the other side we have
Grace Lentini’s Trust
small in scale but panoramic in its humanity.
This
exhibition should also echo its surroundings.
I felt I should include work that evokes the seaside
village that is Wickford. The flora and fauna of this New
England town is well represented in many of the photographs.
Kathi Kolb’s straight forward composition of the well known CAPTAIN
DAN’S proves the design adage, “keep it simple”.
I believe time will be very good to this work of art.
Finally, I was drawn
to many of the photographs of people, which I find is the most
challenging to photographers. Phil Barber’s Riding
the T reminds me of the WPA photographs by Walker Evans. In
Phil’s photo the sign asks if we are depressed.
My answer to Phil would be no. Good work like yours,
although challenging subject matter, is uplifting with its quiet
humor and underlying beauty.
I would like to
thank the Wickford Art Association for the opportunity to
participate in the selection process. All of the works I looked at were of the highest quality and
I congratulate those selected and hope those not selected will
understand the process. Most importantly, I want everyone to
know how proud I am to be one of a group of photographers in
this area of Southern Rhode Island. We seem to be about the joy
of living and enjoying what we have down here. If you have any
doubts just spend some time with Bonnie Jaffe’s WAITING and SEARCHING. Thanks Bonnie, and thanks to all of the
artists for their contributions.
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