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
I love your images, particularly of Mohonk…here’s a pic of me in 1963 in those same fields near the Madison’s farm.. Lynn Peterson
Oh, wow! Cool picture Lynn!
my favorite is autumn at the orchard
Thanks, Jean. That’s one of my favorites too. Next month I’ll be putting up a handful of images at Starbucks in New Paltz and I think I’ll be including that one.