Peter's  Picks of the Exhibit

	Drainage by Archie C. Curry   Meaningful art is mind changing, and here, the author has magically transformed the confluence of two culverts into a visionary image that has both philosophical and psychological implications, as well as provoking visual concern. There is a mood and drama in this scene that is truly thought-provoking. The soft lighting is spectacular, resulting in a striking color palette of autumnal hues, that left what could be a dreary scene into one that has a warmth and glow that is both reassuring and satisfying, especially considering the subject matter. To appreciate the hidden beauty of this setting, the viewer has to look beyond the facade that is essentially a creatively recorded documentary of social deprivation and urban squalor. These two drains are sewers that are discharging waste material into a polluted area, a scenario that has probably existed for many years. This is an environ that few have visited or are even aware of, and there are further questions that one might raise, namely, what are upstream of these two culverts, and what is downstream? The senseless addition of graffiti is an unnecessary distraction, for it mars the lovely brick and stonework and support structure of the elegant archway of the culvert. The silver lining may be that such desecration may call attention to this polluted space, and result in some sort of clean-up, that will at least take care of the health hazards and pollution problems. The artist is much to be admired for taking such a meaningful photograph, which not only highlights an area of urban concern, but he has done it in such an artistic way, that the resulting print is memorable and uplifting. Peter A. Marr
	The Old Timers by Scott Matyjaszek   No exhibition at the Image City would be complete without the addition of the inspired work of Scott, whose unbounded creativity is a product of his inner conviction. Here, in a series of 3-dimensional “Photo Sculptures,” the highlight is an incredible cathedral composition, but I decided to comment further on an equally awesome piece, namely, The Old Timers largely because I was fascinated by the human element that I was very much aware of. On a vintage wooden shelf there is an array of antique clocks, who are more renowned for their historical value than for their ability to tell the time. The lighting exquisitely reveals an extensive range of muted and delicate color hues, together with a variety of surface textures that are a most compelling visual treat. It may be difficult to imagine what these clocks looked like in their prime, or how well they kept the time, but what is overwhelmingly apparent to me, is that these clocks are indeed a family, representing at least 3 generations. The central clock is very much the father, strikingly exemplified by the colorful facial feature, and the ornate, decorative detail on the body. His wife, appropriately for the era that they originated from, stands quietly behind him, having ornamentation that is much more subdued. The eldest son, who is proudly placed ahead of his father, reveals a body frame and sterner visage appropriate for a more modern generation, certainly not typical of his parents. The youngest sibling, almost certainly feminine because of her square face and back, clean cap, and more slender body. She exudes a more modern approach to life, and is definitely “with it” for she has everything on the ground, not needing the feet that the rest of her family has. It is important to note that the young girl is facing away from the other clocks, possibly indicating a complete disdain for the rest of the family. The clock on the far left is certainly the patriarch, although there is some doubt in this conclusion, for although the face has aged beyond recognition, the body is more shiny and featureless with a cap that has more than an ample covering of rust. Of course, it is possible that severe ailments and repeated hospitalization could have contributed to the loss of features and character. Although this is a light-hearted interpretation of this exceptional piece of art, I do sincerely believe that these clocks have a life and character of their own, inanimate as they are. I hope that every viewer who has the good fortune to see this superb composition will take the time to study it and come up with their own ideas as to what they really see or imagine. One final thought, I just hope that the collector who purchases these antique masterpieces, will buy all 5 of them, so that the family can stay together for many years to come.   Peter A. Marr
	Machu Picchu, Llama and Baby by Ted Tatarzyn   Ted’s love for photography and nature is very much evidenced by his superb series of prints on display in the Image Gallery. I am honored to have been a friend and colleague of his for many years, and I have always admired his outstanding artistic talent for creating breathtaking images of a wide variety of diverse subject material, often from remote and challenging areas on every continent in the world. His energy, enthusiasm and dedication are boundless and exhilarating, putting him at the forefront of some of the finest nature photographers in the world. Untold thousands of photographs have been taken of Machu Picchu, but Ted’s print in this exhibition ranks right up there with the very best. Obviously, this spectacular image benefits enormously from the incredible presence in the foreground of the llama and her baby. This was definitely no accident. Careful planning of everything from the time of day, the lighting, camera position, and of course animal activity and positioning, all went into the decisive moment when the picture was taken. In admiring this print, one is immediately captivated by the gorgeous backlighting, which lovingly reveals many of the architectural wonders of this ancient city, from the terraces and housing structures, all the way to the dramatic dry stone walls. This illumination and fill-light from the bright surrounds, brilliantly highlights all of the important details in the two animals, from the massive woolly coat of the mother and smoother fine wool structure of the baby llama, all the way to the prominent erect ears of both of them. The color harmony is exquisite, from the sumptuous vivid greens and saturated browns, all set against a blue sky, where fleeting clouds dance across the background expanse. Even the llamas in there rich brown coats blend in beautifully with their surrounds. I love the solitary, resplendent tree set imaginatively against the impressive mountain peak, poignantly both very much alive, sadly overlooking the remains of a once great city that was vibrant and magnificent for only a little more than a century. The two llamas are little changed from their brethren who roamed these hillsides in the 15th century and well beyond. These important animals are now just onlookers to what is now left of an extraordinary civilization. Ted has artistically and inspiringly captured a visionary image for all to see and marvel at. Peter A. Marr
	Algonquin Dock by Charles Vaughn   This evocative and artistic image, beautifully illustrates that the subject matter is for contemplation and a source of inspiration, as well as expressing the author’s own thoughts and feelings. There is a reverence and gracefulness that represents both tranquility and strength, where the latter is restorative, and the overall effect is magical and sublime. Here, there is an atmosphere and heightened awareness that results in both drama and excitement, and a definite feeling that time has been stopped, and that the docks are lifted up to seemingly float into space. The powerful side lighting creates dramatic diagonal patterns, particularly in the central dock, where the striking shadows of the imposing supports, delightfully play and dance across the myriad of textures that have been boldly revealed on the long wooden planks by the cross-illumination. Although we are aware that the docks are firmly embedded into the tranquil lake, together, they have a unity of purpose in directing the viewer to look out across the water to the vista beyond. Here, the soft valley mist creates a wonderful separation between the shoreline of trees and the mountain profile in the far distance. This is an image of affirmation, grace, energy and beauty, and the viewer is very much a part of this scene. The initial reality of loneliness is offset by the feeling that there is a sacredness here, and that the lake is alive. The silence of the docks is not real, for they are resolved to overcome all of the rigors of a cruel and harsh winter ahead, and looking forward to the Spring, where they have an important role to play in all of the boating and recreational activities that transpire at this beautiful lakeside setting. Peter A. Marr
	We are very grateful to Peter for his thorough review and selection for Peter's Picks. Peter was born in England in 1935 and came to live in the United States in 1968. He worked for the Eastman Kodak Company for 34 years, retiring in 1998. During his employment and continuing into retirement, he has been an enthusiastic photographer. His photography has won him numerous awards throughout Kodak and in International Salons, including 5 George Eastman Medals, which is the top honor awarded to the most outstanding picture in the Annual Kodak International Salon. He has served as a judge in both local and international photographic competitions for the past 20 years, and is a Past president of the Kodak Camera Club and past chairman of many of the Kodak Camera Club organizations. In the past five years or so, he has devoted his photographic skills and interest into nature photography, notably bird photography. His bird photography has been the subject of several one-person exhibits, the most recent being at Ding Darling NWR, in Sanibel, Florida, The Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, New York, and at the Webster Public Library in Webster, NY.
Gallery  Picks of the Exhibit
	Bronte Beach – Australia by Sherman Henzel Sherman Henzel has produced a very unique, intriguing and beautiful image in his photograph entitled Bronte Beach. High quality landscapes usually have three basic compositional areas. These photographs are often broken done by about 30% foreground, 45% middle ground, and 25% background. When arranged horizontally these areas often blend quite harmoniously. Sherman has very successfully violated the usual landscape pattern by using a foreground which is about 85% of his landscape and reaches from the bottom to the top of his print. The result is a beautifully creative landscape that emphasizes the very interesting, intricate and unique patterns of the warm cliffs while linking their location to the ocean and it’s crashing waves. Sometimes, it is effective to break the guidelines in order to produce a really great image. When a photographer does so the chance of success is very, very low. However, in rare instances a real photographic gem can be produced. Sherman Henzel’s Bronte Beach is one of those gems.
	Staircase Abstract -- Ljubljana, Slovenia by Joel Krenis Joel Krenis’s dramatic abstract image seems to jump powerfully off its photographic paper. He creates great contrast in capturing the red, white, and black colors of this spiral staircase. By using a down the staircase viewpoint, white and black circular lines are dramatically stitched together with the needle like red posts of the staircase's railing. Note how carefully Joel has placed and pointed his camera so that the black and white circular patterns spiral together just to the left and very slightly below the middle of the image. The darkness of the black curl encircling the entwined pattern also lowers the center of gravity of the entwined black and white curl. The evenly spaced red posts lean into and intersect the entwined black and white spiraling patterns. These relationships are not easy to accomplish! Joel has very carefully and superbly composed this image. The use of a vertical composition further adds impact to the image. The three dominant colors, like odd number subject matter combinations, add to the balance in this superb photograph.