Hudson Valley

Fellowship bid at the Center for Photography at Woodstock

October 4, 2011 By Joe

Over the past few weeks I’ve been putting together a portfolio of images with the end goal of applying for a yearly fellowship given out by the Center for Photography at Woodstock. I dropped off my entry this past Friday and today learned that I was not chosen for the fellowship. The entire process was a good experience though. It gave me the chance to pause and reflect on a lot of images that I’ve taken over the past 6 years, what they mean to me and why I even choose to pick up a camera at all. Below is the “Artist’s Statement” that I submitted, as well as the portfolio of 10 images. This was the first photography “contest” that I’ve entered, hopefully there will be more to come :).

The Ridge

I moved to New Paltz 6 years ago. Just before I moved a friend of mine remarked, “The feeling here is so different, just waking up every morning and seeing the ridge.” The ridge he was referring to was the Shawangunk Ridge, which rises to one of its highest points right outside of New Paltz, and provides a picturesque backdrop to this small college town.

Every morning when I walk to my car, I see the ridge. Every night when I take out the trash, I see the ridge. Whenever I take a walk around town, the ridge is a constant companion. Whether I’m getting home from work or from a long vacation, it’s a comforting sight that puts me at ease.

Through the years that I’ve lived in New Paltz, I’ve photographed the ridge in different seasons and conditions. I’ve driven, hiked, biked, walked, climbed and snowshoed just to find a different angle. It’s no surprise that it winds up being the main subject or the background of many of my photographs.

All of these photographs were taken within a 3 mile radius of New Paltz, NY.

– Joe Turic 2011

Fields of Gold – February 3, 2007

Autumn at the Orchard – October 7, 2007

Hurricane Irene Aftermath – August 30, 2011

First Snow – December 6, 2009

Approaching Storm – August 27, 2005

Clouds – October 4, 2008

Cold of Winter – February 24, 2008

Summer Sun – August 7, 2009

Fall Colors – October 14, 2009

Spring Along the Rail Trail – May 8, 2011

Irene aftermath and Tropical Storm Lee

September 9, 2011 By Joe

The lower part of New Paltz near the Walkill river, where much of the farm land is located, was devastated by Hurricane Irene. Farmers lost their entire fall crop and residences had to be evacuated. The town and soil has barely had a chance to recover and drain before the remnants of tropical storm Lee hit. The first days of school were cancelled and at this moment, the water supply in New Paltz is undrinkable. The Walkill River was expected to crest to within 2 feet of its Hurricane Irene level tonight (the level during Irene was a record). I walked downtown earlier to grab a few shots of the continuing flooding.

Irene flood waters recede in New Paltz, but not quickly enough

August 30, 2011 By Joe

I was out for a jog earlier tonight and thought I’d see how the bridge and farm flats in town were doing. The bridge is still closed, but you’re able to walk across it and (sadly) observe the flood waters. After seeing how the farm looked, I ran home, got my camera and rode my bike back to the bridge. The area is basically a beautiful disaster. People were kayaking through the fields and there’s a swift current where just a few days ago there was grass. I was able to capture a few shots as dusk set in.

Right as you walk across the bridge you can see the devastation in the corn fields