Ultimate Ascent

This past weekend, I was pleased to be a volunteer photographer for the FIRST Robotics Competition at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut. This is a highly spirited regional event aimed at inspiring children to join and lead the future of science and technology. Local sponsors included, Sikorsky-United Technologies, Pratt Whitney, Pitney Bowes and many more. I was pleased to meet bright young minds form local teams in Guilford (Regional Finalists #1 ) and in Shelton (Regional Finalists #2, FIRST Dean’s list Finalists #2, Regional Chairman’s Award Holders).  Congratulations to all the participants.

The event was a blend of equal parts science fair, high school pep rally, and a world wrestling match. This year the theme is Ultimate Ascent.  Teams designed robots that had to pick up discs from the field, throw them at targets, and climb and hold onto pyramid frames for points. The kids programmed, controlled, and fed discs to their robots. They competed to score as many disc/points and pyramid climbing points in a two minute and 15 second matches. 

What stood out most is the kids’ vibrant display of creativity and intelligence. As well as, a balanced representation from girls who will one day become leaders in science and technology fields. To be part of the action read all about them on the FIRST website.

Artists’ Award Reception: IMAGES 2013

The competition/exhibition was a learning experience for me. I most value the firsthand photography knowledge shared with me by all the Connecticut photographers I met while preparing for the exhibit. Most notably, landscape photographer Peter Kindlmann, who eloquently conveyed the value and inherent difficulties involved in producing photographs that realistically portray what our human eyes actually see, what our human brain perceives, and what our human emotions sense. Peter would tell you that “tapping those dinky little hooks into the wallboard” was not as swift as he would like. However, I enjoyed working with him and having the time to discuss art and photography with such a creative ally. I am delighted to say that Peter Kindlmann is exhibiting at IMAGES 2013.

March 24th, 2013, Peter and me next to his Algae on Maine Rocks print on exhibit at Mill Gallery.

In case you cannot make the Mill Gallery Show, Peter has graciously allowed me to present his “Rock Study #3, Bog Brook Cove, Maine” photograph (above). He printed this work with precision, balance, and sparkling hues. Something only trained hands can manage.

Peter also has a solo exhibit at the Guilford Library through this week. The Guilford Library is located on 67 Park Street in Guilford, Connecticut. Please call for viewing hours (203) 453-8282.

If you can stop by, you will see wonderful landscapes, waterscapes, rock formations, and my personal favorite architectural interiors. But not the kind I am used to photographing, these are of wonderfully nostalgic spaces with charm and depth.

When I see this interior image, I am instantly there in the room and my mind begins to write a story line complete with three acts, setup, conflict, and resolution.

IMAGES 2013 Exhibit at Mill Gallery

The Shoreline Arts Alliance is holding its 32nd annual IMAGES photography competition and exhibition March 24th through April 14th at the Mill Gallery of the Guilford Art Center. IMAGES, the oldest statewide juried competition and exhibition, applauds photography in its various forms and inspires excellence among Connecticut’s photographic artists.

This year 143 photographers submitted 760 photographs of which 76 photographers and 118 photographs are being exhibited. Jurors included Associate Curator of Photographs-Yale University Art Gallery, Joshua Chuang; Photographer, Martin Axon; and Writer/Publisher, Mary Ann Lynch.

​#1 Far Memory                                                                                                                 #2 Guarding the Place Before Days

The two photographs above were selected for the exhibit and are part of my The Guides: Self-Portrait Series. A distinction I value greatly. All the selected photographs are artistic and meaningful to see. The photographers are skilled and it is an honor for me to be in their company. I am thrilled to have met several of them, including landscape photographer Peter Kindlmann. I will introduce him in my next blog…stay tuned.

The exhibit is free and runs through April 14th and is located at 411 Church Street in Guilford Connecticut. See it for yourself.