Through This Lens Blog

Changes in 2012

2012-01-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

Good readers: The holidays seem to have distracted me from blogging - but with the new year, I am back on task. This week is your last chance to enjoy the Kevin Logghe exhibition: Object to Image - running through Saturday afternoon. We often keep work on the walls a few days after the official closing date, but not this time. Monday morning will be wall moving time! With the help of a couple of friends the entire gallery will be rearranged. This is partly to prepare for our first exhibition of 2o12: Will Grossman's classic work of Durham in the early 1970s. We have shown his work several years ago, but given the ever-changing nature of the Triangle area, many of our visitors will not have seen Mr. Grossman's evocative images.

Keep your eyes open, and be ready for some significant changes to Through This Lens. Besides our new look there will be new services, classes, workshops, more talks and demonstrations. Please share your ideas if there is something you would like us to offer. I'm in a changing mood.

Isabel Chicquor

2011-10-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

Sadly, it seems that this blog is becoming an obituary column. I've just received news that Isabel Chicquor, an artist represented by Through This Lens, has passed away. Isabel has spent the past several months working against a tenacious malady that finally overtook her body - though not her spirit. Many of you will have known her as a spirited, opinionated and passionate artist and a generous human being and friend. We will all miss her.

No Alternatives:Hand-Crafted Photo Exhibition

2011-10-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 21, 2011 artists, collectors, and the usual suspects gathered to see the unveiling of the No Alternatives exhibition at Through This Lens gallery. This is the first exhibition at Through This Lens to be selected by jury - in this case by Sam Wang and Christina Z. Anderson. Both Sam and Christina are noted authorities, and practitioners, in the hand-made photography world. In fact, they both also teach processes and techniques which are often referred to as "Alt" - but exactly why No Alternatives was chosen for the exhibition title is best expressed by Kevin Logghe. Kevin came up with the idea for the show more than a year ago. For more about that please see his web site http://www.fotosavant.com. There were entries artists from around the US and several other countries. The processes include, among others, cyanotype, platinum-palladium, carbon transfer, mordancage and gum bichromate. These processes are often based on antique processes, but some are experimental. All the subject matter is contemporary - which ultimately is the point of this exhibition. Given that many of the prints on display took days to create, and are each one unique, proof in on the walls that craft and hand-work has not been fully replaced by the computer.

Carter and Earley Reveal Secrets

2011-10-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

Catharine Carter and Lawrence Earley spoke about their work Sunday afternoon. A revealing session, Ms. Carter noted that her work had become a sort of visual "journaling" to record her feelings and thoughts - and every image had a story behind it. She also mentioned how the misfortune of having her film cameras stolen during a trip had forced her to become more familiar with her digital equipment. While she continues to work in the darkroom, even exploring more hand-crafted processes, the body of work currently on display was printed by her on her Epson printer.

Mr. Earley, Larry to his friends, recounted experiences of interviewing boat owners and fishermen of the North Carolina coast. Much of his work has been shot on 4x5 film, though he sometimes other formats. His silver-gelatin prints are finely crafted and serve his subjects well. It was a pleasure to hear both of these artists reveal their thoughts and motivations behind their work.

Students visit Through This Lens

2011-09-29T22:02:00.000-07:00

photograph (c) Through This Lens

Camp students from Durham Arts Council, just two blocks away, visited the gallery on Thursday afternoon. The two exhibitions running concurrently gave the students an opportunity to compare very different styles of photography. Surprisingly, both Lawrence Earley's traditional black and white work, East of Beaufort, and Catharine Carter's dreamy work, fared well with the students. These two exhibitions seem to be well received by all age groups.

Catharine Carter Reception

2011-09-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

photo (c) Catharine Carter

Gallery visitors come out to see new work by artist Catharine Carter. Her exhibition, entitled Waking Dreams, will be on display though mid-October of this year.

This group of photographs bridges that unclear line between photography and other media. All the images originated in Ms. Carter's camera - but you might not realize it at first glance. If you are at all familiar with work from the late 19th century, you might find some echoes here. Children's book illustrations come to mind, but many visitors say that the images could be just a touch disturbing for children. My opinion differs, since they are in many ways reminiscent of classic fairy tales. Come take a look and share your opinions.

John Zager Draws Large Crowd

2011-08-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

Friday evening, August 19th, John Zager had planned to speak during the opening reception for his photo exhibition and book kick-off, both entitled: Durham In Changing Light. There were so many visitors that the talk was abandoned. Most of his time was spent autographing his new book and answering visitors' questions. We were all having a little trouble keeping up with the flow of visitors last night. Even though the gallery officially closes at 9PM on 3rd Fridays, some visitors lingered, and late comers squeezed in until nearly ten. Mr. Zager's work offers a new perspective of Durham - but make your own judgement. His work will be on display through September 10th at Through This Lens gallery. His book will be available through the holiday season - and priced at only $18.99 has already proven to be a great gift idea.

Sad News about David Page

2011-08-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

David Page, a long-time friend, and supporter of Through This Lens, passed away Saturday, August 13th, after a few months of illness.

David, graduate of RIT, had always been very active in the photography community by lending his support to local exhibitions and groups. He can be credited with bringing such notables as Barbara Morgan and Gordon Parks to speak at Duke University in years past. He had also been heavily involved in the Hugh Mangum Pack House Museum in Durham. Recently, he and Dr. Richard Zakia, along with the help of Vicki Wilson, authored the book Photographic Composition A Visual Guide, published by Focal Press in late 2010. All of those things are important, and memorable. I will remember his friendship above all.

Respectfully,
Roylee Duvall
August 14, 2011

Hand + Eye Hand Made Photography Contest

2011-07-19T22:21:00.000-07:00

If you have missed our listings elsewhere, you still have time to enter the Hand+Eye competition. Time is running short. To read about the competition, and related exhibition and publications please see: http://www.fotosavant.com/Contest/call_for_entries.html.

Talks by Bryce Lankard

2011-07-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

July 20th: Really, I should also include Donn Young - but I like short titles. Today, July 20, 2011 both Bryce Lankard and Donn Young will speak at the Gregg Museum on the NC State University campus in Raleigh. The talk begins at 6PM, and is related to John Rosenthal's exhibition currently on display at the Gregg.

August 7th: The title correctly says "talks" because Bryce Lankard will present an artist's talk at Through This Lens on Sunday, August 7th from 3-5PM. I hope you will join us - especially if you can't attend the Raleigh event.

Please remember that we have Land of Dreams by Bryce Lankard on display through August 13th. If you visit the Gregg Museum to hear the talk, or to see Mr. Rosenthal's work on display there, also know that we have prints from both John Rosenthal and Bryce Lankard available for viewing and purchase. If you don't see what you are looking for, please ask.

Summer Vacation + New Exhibition coming in August

2011-06-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

First of all, Through This Lens gallery and artist's services will be closed from Sunday July 3rd through Monday July 11th. This year we are actually closed less time than in past summers. Please forgive us is we cause you any inconvenience. Our staff is very small, and it is the only way to get a break. We also close for a few days near the end of year holidays.

The GOOD NEWS is that we've booked a new exhibition Durham: In Changing Light by John Zager, and hopefully a book signing too. Mr. Zager's work will go on display, along with a reception for the artist and book signing, on Friday, August 19, 2011. At this point, there is still a little concern about the books being delivered on time - but the photographs will be on the walls. The books will also be available through our web site if you miss the exhibition in person. You will find more information at our web site: http://www.throughthislens.com/zager.html.

Rostagni has Bush in a Box

2011-05-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

Jean-Christian Rostagni first showed his photographs here in the fall of 2006, and has continued to be an important artist for us. He not only spends days printing and making one-of-a-kind frames, he also makes custom travel boxes for many of his works. The photo shows M. Rostagni with "Bush is a Terrorist" ready to travel. The work inside the box is aproximately 48x51 inches - and the box has room to spare.

We have signed, numbered Rostagni prints, both framed and un-framed at surprisingly good prices. M. Rostagni is a world-class artist and craftsman. The quality of his work is more like masters of the 1960s than artists active today - that is to be taken as a superlative, since so many artists today have taken the easy road, rather than the lavish treatment afforded every one of Rostagni's works.

Rex Miller on WUNC The State of Things

2011-05-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

Photographer and film maker Rex Miller was interviewed on WUNC radio today, May 2, 2011, by Frank Statio. Through This Lens hosted an exhibition of Mr. Miller's project "All the Blues Gone" which was discussed during the WUNC interview. Original signed gelatin-silver prints from All the Blues Gone are available for viewing or purchase at Through This Lens. A book by the same title, which includes a CD with music and interview material, is also available at the gallery. To hear, or download, the interview please go to : http://wunc.org/tsot/archive/Meet_Rex_Miller.mp3/view?searchterm=miller, then scroll down to find the Listen Now or Download Audio buttons.

Visit the Rex Miller Artist page at our web site for more information about All the Blues Gone.

Ami Vitale, top photo journalist, talks at TTL

2011-04-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

April 12, 2011 during the reception for her new exhibition: Behind the Headlines at Through This Lens, Ami Vitale shared her ideas about how to make compelling and honest photographs. "Get to know your subject" is the best way to describe her philosophy. Ms . Vitale is very much a humanitarian. She has often photographed in difficult situations, but points out that life continues, and beauty is often just around the corner from the uglier side of life. Ms. Vitale encourages anyone interested in making good images to spend as much time as possible getting to know and to by known by the subjects. Her work proves that her approach works. Through This Lens is proud to have her work on display through June 11th of this year.
Photograph of Ami Vitale and listeners courtesy of and copyright by Wendell Hull

Connie Imboden Talk & Reception

2011-03-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

Friday night, March 4th, about 40 visitors were present as Connie Imboden gave a formal presentation about her photography. In chronological order Ms. Imboden presented images and shared information about how the images were made, and in some cases, what had influenced her to make them. The talk was spiced with literary reference and a generous number of projected images. Most of Imboden's images are shot in, and sometimes under, water.

Through This Lens also has a small display of her framed gelatin-silver prints. Most of Ms. Imboden's books sold out after the presentation - though we hope to receive more soon.

Color Fidelity in the Digital Workflow

2011-02-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon master printer and photographer, Wojtek Wojdynski, presented techniques for managing color consistency from start to finish in digital photography. About 25 people attended this first free workshop at Through This Lens. We hope to make other presentations as well as continuing with our history of artists' receptions and talks.

Friday, March 4th, artist, Connie Imboden, will give a talk and visual presentation during her reception. Since this will take place at a special time, please note that Through This Lens will stay open until 8PM that evening. The presentation will begin at 7PM sharp.

Vicki H. Wilson Reception Bright and Tasty

2011-02-20T19:17:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, February 18th, Vicki Wilson's opening reception was a smash. Ms. Wilson's photographs, all printed on canvas, are bright and cheery to go along the the promise of Springtime - hopefully not far off. Her daughter and friends also laid a fabulous table. While you missed some great food, the photographs will be on display through April 9th - so don't miss that chance too. Food photograph courtesy of and copyright by David Page.

ChemoToxic reviewed in IndyWeek by Chris Vitiello

2011-02-06T10:11:00.000-08:00

Willie Osterman's work entitled ChemoToxic on display at Through This Lens has just been reviewed by Chris Vitiello in the Independent Weekly's Artery on-line. Chris tells me that the review also be published in the Wednesday, February 9th, edition of the paper. Please follow this link to read the review: Positive images: Documenting chemotherapy with archaic photography techniques.

In case you have not seen the exhibition it will be on display through March 12th, 2011 - but don't wait until the last minute. See it any time during our normal business hours: 10:30AM - 5:30PM Tuesday through Friday, and Saturdays until 4PM.

New Grossman Prints Arrive

2010-10-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

We have just received new prints of Will Grossman's "Sunbeam" - the most popular image ever exhibited at Through This Lens. The image is iconic, and at first looks like it could have been made in the 1930s. It was shot in 1974, when Grossman was a relative newcomer to the area. We have several other prints from this series, but "Sunbeam" is a must see. The prints are signed by the artist, and printed on cotton-fiber with fade-resistant Epson inks. Prints are available in 8x12, 11x17 and 16x24 inches.

Kolkin Exhibition reviewed in Herald-Sun

2010-10-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

Blue Greenberg, Arts writer for the Herald-Sun newspaper in Durham, NC, has written a very favorable review of Jon Kolkin's exhibition "Equilibrium" currently on display at Through This Lens. If you want to see the article you'll find it on page D3 of the October 22 issue of the paper - or click Herald-Sun Kolkin Article to read on-line.

Also, a semi-private reception will be held on Sunday, October 24th. Jon will speak at 4PM. The art and the food will make it worth your while. PS: If you are reading this, then you're invited!

Invitation to Jon Kolkin Exhibition + Web Site Updates

2010-09-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

Jon Kolkin's Equilibrium series of photographs is set to open Saturday, September 25th. The work is somewhere on a truck traveling from it's previous exhibition venue in Maine. Given the timing, we will hang the show on Friday of this week. I hope all of you will join us for the artist's reception from 6 - 8 PM Saturday night. Dr. Kolkin will speak about his photographs at 7 PM.

Life on Mars Part I series by Jean-Christian Rostagni has just been restored to our site. Originally, this series was shown on our older framed site and had been off-line since our updated design went live.

Goodloe Suttler's Underneath the Underwing is now down. We have retained one of the framed images, and Mr. Suttler has also provided a small set of prints for reference.

New Name and Web Site Changes

2010-09-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

Lots of changes are in process. Perhaps you have noticed a new look to our web site. More images will be displayed than we've had in the previous version. Look for new additions weekly.

New Name: Framed and Printed will become the name for the service side of our business. You will still be able to get there from throughthislens.com but we've also added framedandprinted.com to provide a separation between the gallery and our framing and printing businesses. The gallery provides motivation, but the services pay the bills - so please check us out if you need anything framed, frames repaired, or photos and displays printed.

Underneath the Underwing by Goodloe Suttler has just over a week longer on display. If you haven't seen it yet, come on down before 4 PM on September 18th. A new exhibition of work by Jon Kolkin will go on display beginning September 25th. More news to follow.

Preview our new exhibition!

2010-08-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

Underneath the Underwing
photographs by Goodloe Suttler

Come preview our new exhibition of photographs by Goodloe Suttler, who uses magnified formal portraits to capture the striking beauty of moths and butterflies. His images are visually stunning, starkly contrasting his subjects against a black background, and exposing wing scales and colors unseen by the naked eye. Suttler's attention t detail and appreciation of the beauty of his subjects seamlessly blends science and art, the formal and the organic: his images satisfy our rational curiosity, and provide deeper fulfillment by allowing our eyes to create moments of pure wonder in our minds.

Preview: August 13 - 20
Opening reception: Saturday August 21, 2010 6-8pm
Admission is FREE and refreshments will be provided

*image: EUPHRAEDA SP (Magenta with black markings) Africa, (copyright) Goodloe Suttler

Opening Reception for new exhibition this Saturday

2010-07-20T10:20:00.001-07:00

Come join us for the opening reception of Presence is Progress - an exhibition of photographs and a celebration of the Americans With Disabilities Act's 20th Anniversary.

Presence is Progress is a community arts project created by Park McArthur and made possible with a grant from the Town of Chapel Hill's Office of Public Affairs.

"As a group of people whose rights to work, attend school, and participate in civic life were only secured with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, people have been segregated and valued according to mobility for a long time. In addition to legislation that insists on barrier-free infrastructure, it is thanks to improvements in equipment technology and a decrease in the practice of institutionalization that people with disabilities have access to public spaces, in increasingly independent ways. Presence is Progress's mobilizations demonstrate publicly that mobility is not synonymous with walking. Photographs of the mobilizations add to our ideas of what progress looks like."

The opening reception for Presence is Progress will be this Saturday, July 24, 6-8pm. Guest speaker Vicki Smith, Executive Director of Disability Rights North Carolina, will speak at 7pm. A sign language interpreter will be provided.

The exhibition will be on view July 24 - August 7, 2010.

For more information about the project please visit www.presenceisprogress.wordpress.com

*image: Jess Isaiah Levin, Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, March 27th, 2010

Opening Reception for a new exhibition of photographs

2010-07-13T13:05:00.001-07:00

Join us this Sunday, July 18 3-5 PM for an opening reception for the exhibition Seder.Table, a series of photographs by Galia Gur Zeev.

In this one-person exhibition, artist Galia Gur Zeev presents two series of photographs exploring family gatherings around the dining table, which join together to form a single show. The series Table consists of a wall piece depicting the diners around the table from a bird's-eye view; the series Seder is an elaboration of the former. In both series the table is nonexistent, and the meal did not really take place. In both, the relevant information emerges from the black.

The Passover Seder is one of the most important festive meals in Jewish tradition. This gathering rearranges the family unit each meal anew, demanding "stocktaking" of the family members, a routine, familiar and comforting ritual carried out from one meal to the next. A great deal of tension, excitement, joy and sadness come together in this occasion. The meeting around the table maps out the present and the absent; the change of roles in the soldier family, as well as those aspects which are an integral part of life, such as the figure, which places the family in Israel, reflecting a reality of constant anxiety.

Gur Zeev's photographs address a person's relationships with oneself, one's body, and one's family, portraying a universe centered on the home and family. While she portrays her own family, they always keep a certain distance, looking into the camera lens as if they were signifiers of the general concept of family.

For more information about the artist please visit her website at www.galiagurzeev.com

image: Seder, 2002, Galia Gur Zeev

New Works & Art Walk Report

2009-04-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

exArt Walk Weekend - April 18 & 19, 2009 brought fabulous weather and more than 900 visitors to Through This Lens.

Works displayed here for the first time included 3 framed black & white prints by John Rosenthal, 2 b&w prints by Bruce Roberts - Elvis in 1956, and the famous "Suzy" from the early 1960s. Peter Armenia showed 3 Cibachrome prints along with a small selection of his greeting cards. We plan to show more of Mr. Armenia's work in November/December of 2009. Gene Furr, former N&O head photographer and prize winner, had 2 color nature scenes on the wall and several more in our print browser bins. Henry Greene loaned us 2 color prints from his India series - one in particular has a very strong graphic appeal.

One special note: We had one new image by Ami Vitale - a palladium print entitled "Eyes". It was hand-coated, and printed for her by Frank Hunter, and signed and numbered by Ms. Vitale. If you visit her web site, www.amivitale.com, "Eyes" is the lead image once the flash intro loads. This is also the first numbered and limited print issued by her. The print on display has been sold, but we can get another if you want to add to your collection. The edition is limited to 50 prints in this format.

In addition to the works and artists mentioned above, we also showed work by Jean-Christian Rostagni, Ami Vitale, Luke Powell, D.L. Anderson and more. This work will be on display through April 25th, but may be viewed by appointment after that date.

Jean-Christian Rostagni News

2009-03-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

Jean-Christian Rostagni stopped by the gallery to tell us about two items of interest: This summer he will return to his native France to teach photography. Also of interest - Mr. Rostagni's web site, http://jean-christian.net/, has recently been redesigned and now includes images from the 2009 inauguration of President Obama. Any images shown there are available from Through This Lens.

D.L. Anderson visits Through This Lens

2009-03-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

Wednesday afternoon D.L. Anderson paid an unexpected visit to the gallery. We have been very pleased to host two exhibitions of his color photographs, as well as smaller selections of his black and white work. Delta Dream Express was shown here in 2007, and When the Dust Settles in 2008. Both shows were well received by the press and by gallery visitors.

Mr. Anderson uses digital and film-based equipment depending on the project. He produces either highest quality pigment prints, or traditional "C" (chromogenic) prints. We have obtained replacements for most of the images sold during the previous shows, so it's not too late to add this work to you collection.

Watch for an announcement on this blog once the Artist section of our web site has been updated with more images from both series.

John Rosental begins working with Through This Lens

2009-02-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon the award-winning photographer, John Rosenthal, visited Through This Lens gallery. Mr. Rosenthal has loaned us a portfolio containing 48 of his signed black and white prints. The images in the portfolio represent what Mr. Rosenthal calls his "greatest hits" - photographs, many of them shot in Manhattan and several areas of North Carolina, that have become favorites with his followers. While his work is easy to look at, it is not simple. There are many references to classical art, and the influence of photographic masters on his work is clear. You might just fall in love at first sight when you see them for yourself.

Alternate signed and numbered prints are available in sizes up to 22x33 inches on 24x36 inch paper - and in a few cases, even larger.

We plan to have an exhibition of Mr. Rosenthal's work in the coming months. In the mean time please visit Through This Lens, in downtown Durham, to see his greatest hits.

Welcome to the Through This Lens gallery blog!

2009-02-24T20:34:00.000-08:00

We hope to keep you up to date on events and happenings at Through This Lens gallery in Durham, NC.

Through This Lens, Inc. is a brick and mortar gallery devoted to fine art photography. We currently represent more than a dozen fine photographers including Luke Powell, Ami Vitale, Derek Anderson and Jean-Christian Rostagni. If you are familiar with those names you might recognize all of them as photojournalists - though they all have a strong fine-art perspective.

Like many independent galleries, we offer services to help pay our rent, buy wine for receptions, pay our employees, and so on. We currently offer picture framing for all types of art. We also offer large-format printing from your files - or we can scan your film or prints if needed.

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for up to date information about upcoming exhibitions and other news-worthy events at Through This Lens. Find more about us at www.throughthislens.com.