Author: mariecostanza

From November 1-November 26 visitors who come to Image City Photography Gallery will immediately be greeted by the large red cardinal sticking its tongue out.  This scarlet backyard favorite is part of Marie and Jay Costanza’s exhibit called Wings and Wanderlust, which features Floridian birds on the main wall; along with Marie’s photos and 10 of Jay’s paintings from their wanderings in New York State, on the back and side featured walls.

Though Marie and Jay enjoy a variety of artistic genres, one of Marie’s favorite subjects to photograph in warm weather is typically birds.  So, last November when she and Jay went to Florida to meet their grandchildren in Disney World, they decided to go a few days early, specifically to photograph the variety of interesting southern birds.  

Marie says, “As soon as we arrived, we went wandering around the property where we were staying, and we couldn’t believe the wide variety of waterfowl and herons that we kept finding.” They were particularly intrigued with the different poses that many of the birds presented, as well as how beautiful they looked as the light shone on their feathers.  They visited some area natural preserves in a quest to find birds that might be posing for portraits. “Our hope was to showcase the beauty, diversity and grace of the avian species that we found in their natural habitat. Upon entering our exhibit, we hope that visitors will enjoy the attention to detail, with each feather and expression that we meticulously tried to capture.”  Jay and Marie hope that their use of lighting and composition creates a sense of intimacy, as if the viewer is peering into the private lives of these magnificent creatures.

In addition to their winged images, visitors will also see Marie and Jay’s “wanderlust” pieces. During the Pandemic, Jay and Marie traveled mainly in the NYS area, where together they enjoyed working on their art in the outdoors.  When looking at the back wall and the right-side wall of the gallery, visitors will have a visual journey through some of Marie and Jay’s favorite areas of NYS.  Viewers will see some scenes that represent the different perspectives that Jay and Marie had when they chose their subjects.  

For example, while in the Hudson Valley area, both of them were attracted to the water and plants in the Untermyer Gardens.  Jay’s pastel painting of this garden, which is a work-in-progress, is displayed next to one of Marie’s photos of the same area.  She chose to zoom in on one area of the garden, while Jay chose a larger area to paint.   Often Jay and Marie take photographs together while on their journeys.  Jay uses his photos when working on his studio paintings, which is when he likes to show the many details of his subjects. On many days during the exhibit, Jay will be working on his Untermyer painting right in Image City.  You will see him using his photo as a reference as he works on this pastel piece.

Another example of works in the exhibit that illustrate their different perspectives can be seen in Jay’s On Moose River, and Marie’s Nature’s Serenity.  This time Jay chose to focus on a close- up of the scene, while Marie photographed a larger area.

When Jay is not working in his studio, he enjoys Plein Air painting, which means he paints his scenes outdoors.  He says that when he is painting outdoors, “It’s a looser, broader approach of painting compared to his studio painting.”  After Jay sets up his easel to paint a scene, Marie wanders around in the area finding subjects that interest her.  For example in the Adirondacks, they had decided to look for boathouses that appealed to them.  Jay set up his easel across the lake from the iconic boathouses in the center of Old Forge, while Marie wandered to a different area and was fascinated by the red boathouse in her photo entitled End of Summer Boathouse.

Marie and Jay’s exhibit not only celebrates the beauty of birds and the natural beauty that exists in NYS, but they also hope to raise awareness about the importance of conservation.  Marie says, “We hope our exhibit will serve as a reminder of the fragile beauty that exists in the natural world of birds, as well as the beauty that is all around us in NYS.”  Whether you are a bird enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of NYS, this is an exhibit that might appeal to you.

If you have questions or would like to make a comment about Marie and Jay’s show, please do so in the box below.

In the realm of photography, there are countless ways to explore the beauty and fragility of life. After Life, featuring Image City Photography Gallery Partners, Gil Maker, Don Menges, Luann Pero and John Solberg, is a captivating photography show that delves into the intricate details of nature’s final stages and pays homage to the memories of those who have departed. Through a collection of images showcasing wilting flowers, fading foliage and poignant memorials, this exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the ephemeral nature of existence and the enduring power of remembrance.

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Chip Evra, who has been displaying his images for years at Image City Photography Gallery, is currently displaying a unique exhibit, called Picks of the Past, in the Neuberger Gallery.  All of the images in the exhibit have received recognition in previous exhibits when they were displayed at Image City.  

In earlier years a noted and respected photographer and critic, Peter Marr, selected what he considered outstanding work of each show.  He would then write an explanation describing why he selected the piece, and it was aptly named “Peter’s Pick.”

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Rochester, NY, a city rich in history and culture, has long been a muse for artists and photographers. Its unique blend of urban landscapes, stunning architecture and natural beauty provides endless opportunities for capturing captivating moments. In a remarkable show, Sheridan Vincent, with over 2 decades of experience behind the lens, takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the heart of Rochester and beyond.  Each image tells a story, reflecting Sheridan’s deep connection and love for the city.

 Rochester Clicks is the eighth featured exhibit Sheridan has produced since joining Image City in 2005. In each previous exhibit he included “Rochester” in the title as the locality where he concentrates his interest. Sheridan says, “After seven previous titles, it was a bit of a challenge to find something until I tried Rochester Clicks. The thought of the click of a shutter is obvious; and then to think of it as a verb, when something ‘clicks,’ it fits together.” 

A Rochester theme for Sheridan is natural.  He says “Sometimes I feel that my camera is on a 50-mile tether finding all I need with the abundance of the city, parks, beaches, riverfronts and trees.”  He says he does not have a wanderlust for the distant, foreign or exotic that others visit and capture so well. Often when he returns to a local location, it attracts him to seeing it in a new way, or he is out experimenting with a new piece of equipment or idea with new postprocessing capabilities.

Sheridan took many of the photos in Rochester Clicks at dusk or evening. Then he used current capabilities to balance the lighting to recreate and enhance the moment. He says “Going back to photos taken as long as 15 years ago and reworking them was a significant goal” as he prepared for the exhibit. Sheridan says “I very much enjoy keeping up with the new capabilities that cameras and postprocessing of the image can produce, and it is also great fun to rework a favorite from the past.”

 No exploration of Rochester would be complete without paying homage to its iconic landmarks.  Sheridan’s extensive experience allows him to capture these landmarks in unique and breathtaking ways.  Whether it’s the majestic High Falls cascading through the Genesee River Gorge or the grandeur of the George Eastman Museum, each photograph showcases Sheridan’s keen eye for detail and composition. 

Rochester’s ever-changing seasons provide a stunning backdrop for Sheridan’s work.  From the vibrant colors of autumn foliage to the glistening snow-covered areas of winter, each season brings its own charm to the city.  In Rochester Clicks, Sheridan captures the essence of each season, evoking a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds Rochester throughout the year. 

Most of the photographs in the show are printed on a metallic inkjet paper that is laminated to the back of acrylic plastic. They are produced with no frame containing the image.  Sheridan says, “It has become my favorite medium and is scalable to be able to produce large photographs. My vision for the fate of the prepared photographs is that they will find a commercial space or a living room where they will be enjoyed as part of the décor for decades to come. At that size they also present well in the Gallery setting we have at Image City. When I have a photo that I really like, I don’t appreciate it fully until it is printed, and the larger it is printed, the more I like it. It is also satisfying when a visitor to the Gallery can bond with the photograph and the location because they know it so well.”

Rochester Clicks not only highlights Sheridan’s skill and passion but also invites viewers to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Rochester, fostering a deeper connection with the city that many viewers call home.  The exhibition will be on display at Image City Photography Gallery until October 1, 2023.  If you have questions or would like to leave a comment about the show, please do so in the comment box below.

Photographers’ Journey is a tradition that has been taking place at Image City Photography Gallery for the past several years.   The Partners of Image City decided years ago to host one major competition, formerly called Portfolio Showcase, which is judged by distinguished external judges. Major prizes, provided by both local sponsors, members of the Neighborhood of the Arts and nationally from Adobe, are awarded to the winners.  Judges are rotated every two years to bring fresh eyes to the judging process. Over the last three years the former Portfolio Showcase (when an entry was a set of eight photographs that held together as a portfolio) was replaced by the current Photographers’ Journey contest.   Now entries are a group of individual photographs rather than a portfolio.

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When Harry Littell was at the Broome County Fair, he overheard a young woman ask her parents, “Who brought the Dramamine?” After he returned home and shared this comment with his wife, she suggested he use it as the title for his series of photos that look at the people and activity surrounding the rides, events and food trucks at county fairs. The pieces that Harry has on exhibit in the Neuberger Gallery are part of a project that is still in progress. Harry says that the intimacy of the Neuberger Gallery is a perfect venue for this display.

Because Harry has enjoyed the fair in Tompkins County for many years, he thought it would be fun to visit other fairs in the area to make photographs.  In the summer of 2022, he found the time and momentum to get started.  He visited six county fairs and discovered that they are all similar, yet different.  For example, at the Steuben County Fair in Bath, there was an event he had never seen before: a riding lawn mower and demolition derby, where people smash into each other on their riding mowers.  

Harry says that after visiting a number of county fairs, he found that the images he liked best were “all taken during the twilight period.  Because twilight is so fleeting, this became a challenge.” To create a larger body of images that work together, he needed to be conscious of the time of day and the light because he “only had a narrow window of time in which to make the photographs.”

One of Harry’s favorite photos in this series is Demolition Derby, Tompkins County Fair, 2022. Harry says “It’s a moment that tells a story.”  In the foreground a yellow VW races backwards for the kill.  A haze of burning motor oil hangs over the scene.  The spectators illuminated in the background are thrilled by the spectacle.  Behind them there is a glimpse of the ferris wheel.  This was the youth demolition derby.  A teenager is driving each car with a parent in the passenger seat.  It is a violent scene but also very beautiful.”

Harry, who lives in Ithaca, NY is a fine art photographer who thinks of his studio broadly as the upstate New York region. A sense of place is important in his work.  Harry has taught photography at Tompkins Community College in Dryden for many years.  He says he has learned a lot from his students.  “Their work is full of surprises, which helps me to see the world in new ways.”  Harry and his students sometimes drive to Cortland and have dinner at the Hollywood Restaurant and then photograph downtown Cortland at twilight.  Teaching his students about light has helped Harry to see light better.

Some of Harry’s favorite learning activities have included cross-discipline collaborations, community research projects, photo field trips, and self-published photo books.

When asked what message Harry hopes viewers of his exhibit might gain after seeing his photos, he references a movie that he loves called Wings of Desire. In the film two angels, Damiel and Cassiel, walk unseen amongst people and observe the beautiful and sad things that occur in West Berlin.  Damiel and Cassiel meet up in a library and compare notes about the poetic moments they have witnessed such as “A woman closed her umbrella in a rainstorm.”  Harry says “photography is often like that.  Trying to be an invisible observer. Recording. Interpreting. Bringing moments to the gallery to share. If I’m lucky, people will be moved by the images and when they leave the gallery, they might look at the world slightly differently.”

Fans of nostalgia will be drawn to this collection of photographs that capture the essence and spirit of traditional county fairs. The images showcase various attractions and activities that have been popular for years in county fairs. From the ticket booth to the mouth-watering food stalls, each photo brings back fond memories of simpler times. The colors are vibrant and the attention to detail is commendable, truly capturing the essence of the fair atmosphere.  Harry’s exhibit promises an enjoyable journey for anyone who has ever enjoyed going to county fairs, whether in their youth or in the present. 

After visiting Image City and seeing Harry’s exhibit, if you would like to see additional photos by Harry, click on the links below:

https://soagithaca.org/harry-littell/  (Harry is a member of the State of the Art Gallery in Ithaca, where he frequently exhibits his photos.)

Instagram: @harry.littell 

To leave a comment or question please type it in the comment box below.

Cars and Colors is the third exhibit that Bruce Elling, Amy Palermo and Beth Quattrociocchi have had in the Neuberger Gallery at Image City Photography Gallery.  Their previous shows were the result of two distinct “photo field trips” to the city of Buffalo, New York.  While those collections were connected by a particular location, the group of photos in Cars and Colors has a different direction.  A general automotive theme provides connection to many images; for example classic cars, a parking garage and vintage vehicles left to rust.  Additionally, as art educators, present (Amy and Beth) and retired (Bruce) the Elements and Principles of Design have always played a major role in their teaching as well as their personal creative efforts.  The body of work in “Cars and Colors” gives focus to those design elements; specifically in color, shape, texture and line. Prior to retirement, Bruce, taught with Amy and Beth at Pittsford Sutherland High School. Amy continues to teach at Sutherland, and Beth is now teaching in Mendon High School.  It seems appropriate to display these photographs in the Neuberger Gallery, as Dan Neuberger’s work was always a Master Class in the use of design. 

Amy is drawn to shapes and colors, especially in design (eg. old cars), as well as natural, organic forms like flowers.  Amy says that the pieces the group chose to display “all work well together.  They are unified by their bright colors, yet they contrast nicely between the shiny and rusty or the linear and circular elements. For example, it is the shiny in my photos that contrasts with Beth’s rusty, and the circular elements that contrast with Bruce’s linear elements.”  

An example of this is seen in Amy’s Gallery Pick entitled Mater.  The vibrant red hues of the rusted car stand out vividly against the shiny tones of the taillights, which have withstood the passing of time, with just hints of rust shown on the screws. 

The collection includes images from various photo shoots that the group has done together; for example, locations such as the British Auto, car shows, downtown Canandaigua and the Strong Museum.  As the three photographers began to curate images that they believed worked well together, Bruce was the first to recognize the automotive theme, even though that was not their initial theme or intent.

Beth says she “is always amazed by what Bruce can see/make out of an ordinary area,” and she points out the images taken of the new addition of the Strong Museum.  Through his closeup images of the building, Bruce has created captivating abstracts of a color continuum.  

Amy says it means a great deal to her to show her work with Bruce, who was her teacher in high school.  She says “he has had a tremendous impact on me and so many other former students at Pittsford Sutherland High School.”  Amy teaches in a way that she hopes “will have the same impact on my students.” 

When deciding on their idea for this exhibit, Beth says she realized that she doesn’t take any shiny photos; she says, “Mine are all about rust and decay.  For example in her photo entitled Red Rim, she was attracted to the colors enhanced by the red rust.

In the end, Beth says, “It was our shared love of color and shape that brought these images together.”  Beth says she tends to find interesting subjects “in the most mundane places: rust, sidewalk cracks, dish water, etc.”  She reminds other photographers that “It is amazing what is available to photograph if your eyes are open.”  She enjoys exhibiting with Bruce and Amy because she says “It is always interesting to see their ideas, especially when we have visited the same spots together. Sometimes we have similar images; other times our viewpoints of a specific place are unique. Exhibiting really makes me think like an artist and bring my ideas to fruition.”

Amy points out that it is important to understand that people don’t all view or experience the world in the same way.  She says “You never know how others are going to interpret your work.  As a photographer, you have to frame the world through your own lens and find new ways to look at the every day.”

Bruce, Beth and Amy’s photographs will be on display until August 6, 2023.  

Photography is a medium that has been used to capture the beauty of nature for many years.  Luann Pero is a photographer that has taken this to a new level by using techniques such as Intentional Camera Movement, slow shutter speeds, multi-in-camera exposures and Composite Photography, which results in images of a painterly or water-color look with muted colors and softened lines.  

Composite Photography, which is a technique often used by Luann, involves using two or more different images to create a new image. Luann enjoys using this process to create a sense of movement and energy in the final image and to capture the subject in a more abstract way. In Luann’s photo entitled, Color Explosion, she has used composite photography to capture the reflection of a tree from one image and a peony from another.  She used layers to put the composite photo together, resulting in an image that has a more abstract look, with the colors of the blossoms and trees blending together.  

Having grown up near Highland Park in Rochester, NY, Luann was surrounded by the scents and sights of lilacs and other flowers.  She says, “Nature is my muse when making my abstract, impressionistic and ethereal images of flowers, trees and weeds.” She adds that “each flower has a personality to discover.”  She recalls “There was a sense of peace, along with the wonderful scents of flowers gone wild.”

In Luann’s retirement she has had the time to record her encounters with the world of flowers, botanicals, weeds and trees.  She says she “enjoys lingering with and delving into the structure of the flowers, smelling their fragrances, and savoring their charms as she feels the emotions conveyed by a bouquet of flowers.”   She often does this by using a macro lens and extension tubes, which enable her “to see into the inner sanctum of a tiny flower or delve into the roughened, grooved, and furrowed surfaces of a leaf.”  She points out that these images can give the viewer a glimpse into the world that is often overlooked and unseen by the naked eye.

As Luann reflects on her journey, she is reminded of a quote by Gertrude Jekyll who said, “More than half a century has passed, and yet each spring, when I wander into the primrose wood and see the pale, yellow blooms, and smell their sweetness of scents; for a moment I am seven years old again and wandering in the fragrant wood.”  

Luann continuously seeks inspiration in nature.  Whether it is a seedling, a sapling or a bud, she is moved by the powerful, simplistic and expressive subject matter.  As she moves subject matter from static to poetic, she ponders over the fact that for her a photograph can “create a mood or speak words when there are no words to utter.”

She says, “Capturing and transcribing the emotional moment and beauty of a scene is my voice and my joy. Finding the spark of creativity and adventure in photography is my goal.”

In addition to showing regularly, as a partner at Image City Photography Gallery; Luann’s work has been featured in the Memorial Art Gallery, Lower Link Gallery, the Baptist Temple, Barnes & Noble, the Williams Gallery, NuMovement Studio, Starry Nights Café, State of the Art Gallery, Gallery 96, Mendon 64 and the Photoplace Gallery in Middlebury, VT.   Her photos also hang on the walls of collectors.  Luann’s exhibit entitled “A Color Explosion” will be shown at Image City Photography Gallery from July 11  – August 6, 2023.  To see more of Luann’s work, click here: https://luannpero.zenfolio.com

If you would like to comment on Luann’s exhibit or if you have a question for Luann, please enter your comments in the comment box below.