FOUR
Show at Whitney Art Works, Greenport, NY July, 2001
I was given the opportunity and challenge of reducing my eighteen years of photography to four works. As impossible as this seemed at first, resignation turned to enthusiasm as I reacquainted myself with my opus.
Gantry Control Wheel, Long Island City
This is one of my first photographs. I was using an old German Twin Lens Reflex on a flimsy tripod. Wandering along the East River shoreline I noticed this wheel, part of a control for a ferry docking system for railway cars. The sun was just rising as you can see from the nearly horizontal shadows. Relationships were changing moment to moment. I focused all my scant amateur abilities. From California Ansel Adams cheered me on as I averaged my meter readings and stopped down to f22. (Sorry,no f64 available.) To gain a straight on objective viewpoint I had to gather a few rocks to stand on. After a couple of exposures I moved on.
Looking at this print today I am amazed at how little I knew and what a strong impression it still makes. Along with wheel and handle it has the complex symmetry of necessity and the plethora of detail in its train. It speaks to me of the inexorable forces and inexplicable facts of nature and fate.
Looking at this print today I am amazed at how little I knew and what a strong impression it still makes. Along with wheel and handle it has the complex symmetry of necessity and the plethora of detail in its train. It speaks to me of the inexorable forces and inexplicable facts of nature and fate.