Local Art Residency: Ariana Gavriilidis

LOCAL: Ariana! So happy to have your work up at the shop. How do you feel sharing a bit of yourself at the shop through your photography?

ARIANA: Hey Local Coffee! Thank you for allowing me to show my artwork, as I’m lucky to be among the talented artists before me. Over the last year, I started showing this collection of black and white photo series titled Europe in Black and White around different cafes and coffee shops in New Jersey and Upstate NY. I feel it should have gotten easier with each show, yet it is still nerve-racking! I am always nervous about how others will react or what they might think about my style of photography. However, I am thankful to exhibit my photographs and not only get feedback on how I can improve as an artist, but connect with people on their travels. As a result, I connected with loyal patrons of Local Coffee about traveling, their favorite style of photography, and most of all, their go-to coffee orders! 

LOCAL: Tell us a bit about these photographs. When, Where and Why?

ARIANA: Europe in Black and White captures moments from when I traveled in the summer of 2019 and the winter of 2017. This collection pertains to the countries of Ireland, the United Kingdom such as England, Scotland, and other countries such as Amsterdam and Norway. I've been lucky to travel and take these photographs around Europe, either on solo trips or traveling with close friends and family. I love traveling to new places and experiencing new cultures and bringing my camera along is no exception.   

I shoot my pictures in black and white as I believe it forces the viewer to focus on the image while adding color, in my opinion, can complicate and distract from what is right in front of them. Photographs in black and white exhibit the simplicity of the world, and can reveal that we’re much more similar than we are different. In addition, I’ve always been a fan of timeless black and white films, such as Casablanca, Notorious, and The Maltese Falcon. If the movie stars Humphrey Bogart or Cary Grant, I’ve seen it. My style and taste does not always resonate with everyone, but I believe there is something timeless with photographs taken in black and white that brings me back to a past life where we were not obsessed with editing an image to perfection.

LOCAL: You're still young and have been able to travel to many places many of us are still dreaming about. Tell us how you've been able to prioritize travel in your life -

ARIANA: For as long as I can remember, I had the travel bug. I will never turn down an adventure or the opportunity to go somewhere new. With my father being Greek and moving to America at 27-years-old, I got the chance to fly and visit my dads' side of the family from a young age. I knew traveling to Europe as a family was a privilege that not many kids my age had the opportunity to go. Once I knew places such as Athens, Mykonos, and Crete existed, I wanted to experience more of not just what Europe had to offer but the rest of America and the world. Being the youngest sibling, I traveled with my mother and sisters across the county for soccer tournaments or to see college campuses. Traveling has been a way of life. When COVID hit, I did not know if I could travel again. As much as I love New Jersey, there is so much more of the world to see. I learned that to grow not only as an artist but as a person, we need to step outside of our comfort zone and be open to new experiences. Additionally, it helps that my mother also loves to explore and travel, so I always have a travel buddy.   

 LOCAL: Was there one place that stood out where you felt super-connected to the environment?

ARIANA: One place that stood out to me when traveling in the summer of 2019 was the country of Ireland, especially the Irish countryside. I saw well-known cities such as Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Killarney and got the chance to explore Northern Ireland and tour Belfast, and crossed the National Trust Carrick-a-Rede bridge in Ballintoy. If you haven't seen it, you have to look it up! It is a wooden bridge that leads you to a remote island. I surprised myself by crossing the bridge. In addition, visiting The Cliffs of Moher, which are sea cliffs located at the southwest edge of Ireland that look out to the Atlantic Ocean, was a surreal experience. It’s breathtaking being on the edge of the world. Not only is Ireland's vast green landscape and the rolling hills unbelievably beautiful, but the people are friendly and welcoming. Growing up in North Jersey, I'm familiar with heading to Upstate NY and seeing a remote landscape, but Ireland's extensive history and open space needs to be experienced by all. 

 LOCAL: Is there a special location OR geographic environment that you have on your roadmap?

ARIANA: I’ve always said that before turning 30, I wanted to complete a road trip out west and explore the landscapes of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah and visit either Glacier National Park or Yellowstone National Park. There are so many places in America that I have yet to tour. I would pick mountain ranges and forest landscapes any day compared to a beach setting. I’ve never been a person that chooses an island or a pool vacation to relax and unwind. Back in 2018, I climbed to the top of St Mary’s Glacier in Colorado, which at the peak is around 11,000 ft above sea level. I remember feeling small amongst these gigantic pine trees, and there wasn’t a feeling quite like it. It reminded me how important it is to look past what’s right in front of us and look at the bigger picture. I have three years left to fulfill this goal and now that I work remotely, I’m hoping to accomplish this vacation sooner rather than later as it has never been easier to work while traveling.

LOCAL: For our fellow photophiles out there, what type of camera(s) are in your arsenal and do you have a 'go-to' camera for special moments?

ARIANA: That is a difficult question! In total, I own ten cameras as some cameras I inherited from relatives and other cameras I purchased. Although the camera I can never leave the house without, besides the camera on my iPhone, is my Nikon FM 10, which is a manual 35mm. This camera I used for the Europe in Black and White series. It’s been with me everywhere and my most prized possession. I seem to be a brand loyalist to Nikon. It was the first camera I purchased back in middle school when I started adventuring into photography. My parents bought me a Nikon CoolPix L24 Digital Camera, in the color red, and Nikon has been my go-to ever since. The rest is history. 

If I somehow forget to carry my Nikon FM 10, I like to have either my Nikon DSLR handy, a Fujifilm color 35mm disposable camera or an Instax Mini 9 in my bag for some fun quick shots with friends. I love the feeling of sending in the camera in order to see the photographs.    

 LOCAL:  What's your favorite coffee or tea beverage?

ARIANA: Personally, it depends on the season. In the winter, I love chai with soy milk, and in the summer, it is either an iced coffee with soy milk or an iced tea with some honey. The honey I buy is from Local Coffee! Over the last year, I've been on a honey hunt for the best honey in New Jersey, and the Raw Honey available to purchase here goes with me everywhere!   

To learn more about Ariana and follow-along through her many journeys: https://linktr.ee/ag_curate

Local Art Residency - Todd Boressoff

LOCAL: I have to start out by saying how very grateful I am to have this particular work in the shop at this time. Our 5th anniversary as a business is on the horizon on 2.2.22 and having images of my beloved NYC in the shop is really fitting. 

The years associated with these images are 1968 - 1972 and one can’t help but make the connection to current day in that there’s quite a bit going on as a city and as a still relatively young country. Did you fully feel the gravity of the moment as these images were captured?

TODD: For the majority of these photos I was simply trying to stay alert for something interesting – an expression, a design in the frame, a juxtaposition of details, etc – and to shoot spontaneously. However, for three I was very aware of the gravity of the moment. With the photo of the cop shooting I was intensely aware of him, though in the moment I never saw the innocent boy with the Impeach Nixon sign. The tickertape parade was of the returning Apollo 11 astronauts (the three waving at the bottom of the photo). I climbed up the facade of Grand Central to get the angle. The third was of the 1969 Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam.

LOCAL: We haven’t had vintage prints in the shop before. These images were captured and developed by you. I’ve worked in a dark room before and can say that the photographs take on a greater meaning when the photographer essentially takes care of the image from conception to birth. How do you feel about that invested development process vs. todays rather ubiquitous photography process?

TODD: I am ambivalent. Anti: I hate the proliferation of self-promoting selfies. I also regret that photojournalism suffers with news outlets slashing photo budgets in favor of photographs sent by the public.  Pro: The digital world enables me to take more risks, to better examine a subject from multiple perspectives. And digital photo development is a godsend. Lightroom and Photoshop enable me to work in color more effectively than chemical processes. I still take care of the photograph from conception till birth. I spend as much thought photographing and as much time “developing” as I did fifty years ago. The digital world lets me take online courses at the International Center for Photography with “classmates” from all over the world. We can screen-share our work and get feedback instantly, not just from the teacher but from everyone. Also, I can share work on Instagram, again with photographers worldwide. If you are interested, search on Instagram for todd_boressoff.

LOCAL: I appreciate that these photographs are not for sale demonstrating the value to you as the photographer and to some degree, historian. In this world where commerce is king and queen and nearly everything is for sale, how do you reconcile the artistic value vs. making some dollars? 

TODD: To concentrate on becoming a professional photographer, in 1970 I took a half-day position as an assistant teacher at a preschool in Park Slope. I learned two things. I hated the job of becoming a photo professional – taking pictures that others wanted, promoting myself, spending more time on selling than on taking and making photographs. I also learned that I loved early childhood education, which led to a forty year career in roles from assistant teacher to many years as a teacher, director, advocate, and policymaker on the local, state and national level. But I never stopped loving photography.

LOCAL: One of my favorite images is the mirrored reflection of the record store. So much going on inside the shop and there’s the one woman who paused to look up and you captured it! I can draw so many parallels to philosophy and the importance of taking a moment to stop and look up and around. Did you know how incredible this photo was in the moment you developed it?

TODD: Not when I took it, but yes, when I developed it I liked it a lot. But it has continued to grow on me. Those are real records, LPs. You could thumb through them to your hearts content and chat with the folks around you. I miss that.

LOCAL: NYC has gone through quite a bit in the 50 years since these images were captured. How do you use your craft to make a bit of sense of how things have changed but in many ways, stayed the same? 

TODD: I don’t. I don’t really use photographs to try to make sense of things. Just to capture for myself, and hopefully others, what I’ve seen.

LOCAL: Of these photos, which has the greatest meaning to you and why?

TODD: Sadly, I can no more answer this than I can which classical composer or which tenor saxophonist has the greatest meaning for me. Or even which piece by Beethoven or which solo by John Coltrane. In a way the photographs are like my children. How could I choose? But I can choose which has the most meaning for me at this moment. It is the little boy looking out the back window of that car. I identify with him these days, spending so much time trapped inside.

LOCAL: Anything else you would like to share about this powerful exhibit?

TODD: Just to thank Robert and Adele for again presenting my work on that beautiful, well-lit magnetic wall (with none of the expense and work of framing).

LOCAL: What’s your favorite coffee or tea beverage?

TODD: This is well known to everyone at Local Coffee: a small 2% latte.

Local Artist Residency - Lindsey Wilderotter

Lindsey! So happy to have your work up at the shop. I feel like we discussed this opportunity a good time ago and here we are. How do you feel sharing a bit of yourself at the shop through your photography?

I am so happy to have my work up at Local! I remember reaching out last year and you telling me that the next available time would be Fall 2021 and it felt like it was going to be forever away but now we are finally here and it feels great. It truly feels amazing to have something that I created displayed and shared with your shop. When I have walked into Local to grab a coffee, I have seen so many beautiful artists' work hung up on that wall and it feels really cool to have that be me for this month. Photography has been such an outlet for me and I love telling stories or evoking emotion through my photographs so I am really excited to have some of those be shown to the local community.

Tell us a bit about these photographs. When, Where and Why?

These photos are from a few different places but mostly the timeframe is between fall and early wintertime. The first section of my photos are some of my favorite fall photos from local spots around New Jersey. Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. I love to watch the leaves change and the world around us come to life with color. It is truly so beautiful and I love to capture this time of year through my lens. Most of the fall photos displayed are from Verona Park and South Mountain Reservation. The second section is more of my travel photos from both Scotland and Canada. I went to Scotland a few years ago with some friends and was so taken aback by it’s beauty that I literally had my camera in my hand every second I could. And it was the same in Banff, Canada. That place was truly special, there were mountains everywhere I looked and it really took my breath away. The third section is a combination of both travel but also adding in some more colorful lighting. A theme that I wanted to show through this display was not only the travel/landscape side, but also in a few of my photos I love to capture reflections. Especially with the changing of the seasons, I tend to do a lot of reflecting on where I have been, what I have seen and where I want to continue to go. These photos remind me how grateful I am to have stood where I have but also tells me how much more there is to see.

I ask this question of most of our photographers - how do you feel about the discipline now that we all have a camera in our pocket and take a gazillion pictures each day vs. purposely setting out to capture some specific image or topic?

It is really interesting how easy it is for people to just whip out their phones and take a picture of literally anything at any time. There are times I find myself reaching for my phone just to take a quick snapshot of the sky that looks cool and I usually kick myself for not having my real camera to get a better shot. It is crazy how well iPhones and smartphones can take a photo, sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between a real camera and a phone which to be honest makes me a little sad because I just love digital and film cameras so much. But I definitely still set time aside to go out with my camera, to go to different places with the purpose of getting some good shots of either something particular or just walking around a certain area for a few hours and seeing what I can find.

Before the pandemic, one of my favorite things was going into NYC and just walking all around Central Park, down to Bryant Park, and through the Flatiron district with my camera at my eyes the whole time, taking it all in and clicking away. I loved that, going in at different seasons and seeing the city change through my lens was so cool.

The composition on these images are really special. How do you set out to frame your photos? Do you perform a good amount of editing post capture?

I try not to edit my photos too much, I try to capture them in a way that shows what I am trying to tell. I always want to show a real version of what I see when I put the camera back down. However, there are some that I have edited a bit darker or to have more of a “moody” effect which I have been loving. I love to get a different shot, something more unique that I feel is my own. When I am out shooting, I try to look at things more artistically and see how I can capture the scene in a way that people may not always see when they first look out, but also something that draws people in. It is a little hard to explain but I am always trying to get that unique shot, through the trees or by getting down on my knees from a different angle. I love to still show the beauty that I see but maybe in a way that is original, if that makes sense.

These images represent a good amount of travel. Was there one place that stood out where you felt super-connected to the environment?

I think one of my favorite places that I traveled to was Scotland, where a few of these photos are from. It was such a breathtaking and amazing place to be and I feel so grateful that I was able to see it in person. I spent a few days in the city of Edinburgh but the majority of the trip was exploring the Highlands and smaller country towns of Scotland. It was really so cool to see the landscapes of this beautiful place and the wildlife. I was able to see horses on the farms we passed by and the infamous highland cows. The highland cows are gorgeous and during the trip we actually pulled over on the side of the road where we saw some eating some grass and just watched them. One of my favorite things about traveling is to be fully immersed in the culture and environment of where I am, and it was so easy to do in Scotland, with it’s stunning landscape, friendly people, and unique wildlife. I definitely plan to go back there.

What camera/ cameras do you use in your discipline?

I use a Canon Rebel T6s. I got it for Christmas a few years ago and it truly has changed my life.

What's your favorite coffee or tea beverage?

Oh my favorite question! To be honest, it does change with the weather and when I am looking for something warm, I always go with a mocha latte with oat milk but if it is a nice summer day I am for sure grabbing a cold brew with oat milk :)

See more of Lindsey’s work here

Local Art Residency - Q+A with Wanderlust Photographer Peter Yacobellis

Thanks so much for sharing your work @ Local! Initial response has been overwhelmingly positive. Tell us about these images, how and when did you decide to start chronicling your trips abroad.

Thank you for giving me the platform to share the work. You do the community a great service by giving back and offering artists like me these opportunities.

I've always chronicled my trips but have leveraged different mediums to do so. I used to love to write in journals and then with the advent of social media it became easier to both catalog and chronicle my life in varied ways. In terms of photography, I first discovered my passion for architecture when I was standing outside of the Louvre in Paris, admiring the perfect symmetry of the corridor of archways that run along the courtyard. I knew then that I had a passion for symmetry, diversity of textures and light, playing together. Later in life as I educated myself more on the plight of animals and the natural world in general, I decided to experiment with wildlife photography. What you see in Local today is actually my first attempt at it.

Photography is a passion project for you, yes? At what point in your life did you take that next step to learn more about the discipline so that you would be able to articulate the journey?

Yes it is. I actually took a photography course in college, back when we had to develop our own film and I remember the professor telling me that there were two things that she observed had come naturally for me: composition and use of light. From there it's been a journey that has paralleled the development of technology from digital point-and-shoot to eventually digital SLR cameras and even the iPhone with it's incredible capability. About 6 years ago my fiance gave me my first true digital SLR camera and encouraged me to take some more courses, which I did. I'm so appreciative that he helped resurface this passion of mine.

Lot's of animal photos which are remarkable in that there are some really visually stunning images. What did you aim to capture in these photos?

I hoped to capture their spirit, in a moment. In my online shop I tend to refer to a lot of these portraits as "Faces of God". And to the extent I believe that god and Mother Nature are one in the same, their faces are the faces of god to me. Personally, I'm an empath. I feel strong connection to animals. It's palpable for me. So when many of them seemingly posed for me, I took the shots in hopes of capturing the moment when I felt they were letting me see their souls. I feel a great deal of frustration at our disconnectedness with nature. I don't think people realize how quickly habitat is disappearing and how truly endangered so many of these beautiful creatures are. I think they're a big part of what makes this earth remarkable and it's our loss to not know them and protect them, as fellow life forms.

What type of camera(s) are in your arsenal?

I shoot with a Nikon 7500. It was important for me to be able to capture photos in very high resolution because I knew that I would want to see these photos enlarged and with the fine detail reflected. I think too often we look at photos on small screens which doesn't allow us the same kind of captivation that I think a physical image does, at scale. To the question just before this, notably with the animal shots, my hope was that I could show these shots in an imposing way.

How, why and when do you decide on specific destinations?

I've always been an explorer. As a kid, I wished I could go to space. And then I actually signed up for the Air Force (later discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell") because I wanted to experience and gain perspective in a way a lot of people aren't able to. When those things didn't pan out for me the next best was exploring our own world and going to places off the beaten path while still admiring many of the places that are on those paths for a reason. These days I look for those dream locations, which for me have: history, beautiful architecture, unique geology and wildlife.

You mentioned the Game Of Thrones photograph and I had to embarrassingly mention that I didn't watch the series. What stood out to you in visiting the location vs. what you viewed in the show?

Well, firstly -- you're not alone. Not everyone is a fan of my second favorite TV show of all time. Ha! Well, what I loved was how much of the actual places they used to film the show exist in reality. You can be there and walk the streets and feel it. Sure, the actual city is about 25% the scale of what's portrayed in the show. And there are no castles reaching to the sky or dragons to burn them down. But the beauty is consistent and in some ways so is it's history. Something I found shocking was that as recently as the 1990s this city was nearly leveled by war. That made me sad and angry and was some of the inspiration for me to decide to donate proceeds from the sale of these images to UNESCO's World Heritage Sites program. But seriously, you have to watch the show.

Is there a destination that you have been wanting to visit that you have already made some plans in your mind for what to capture?

The top of my list is Antarctica, and especially an expedition to see the Emperor Penguin colonies which aren't reachable by many of the major charter companies. That's my unfulfilled dream. But there are also some really significant countries where I would like to spend some time; notably Japan and India. I think my portfolio, and in fact my heart, also crave exploring the Middle East and capturing some of the amazing culture, stunning architecture and unique wildlife. There's a lot to be told -- and I'd argue desperately needs to be told, about that part of the world. And if I can contribute in some way, I'd love to. 

What is your favorite coffee or tea beverage?

An oat or soy milk latte with cinnamon, turmeric and a bit of cayenne .

More about Peter here

Local Talk Series: Q+A with Mobile Photographer Marian Rubin

Marian, we're thrilled to have met you and if that wasn't enough - we have your work up at Local! The work is SO good. So much depth and emotion in every single image and frame. 

Tell us how you got started and what is it that allows you to get so much context in your images.

Hi Robert, I am delighted to meet you too and so pleased to be hanging in your shop.  ;)

I have been walking around with a camera since age 9, when my Dad gave me my first camera. I took pictures of my family, my friends, my classmates, boyfriends, and everything else along the way. I have always had a passion for photography and a fascination with humanity. It was only recently that I understood that that is just who I am. Photography has been the backdrop of my entire life, although not my career. I had a 40 year career as a social worker so you see the connection. I think I was always a social worker too. I am an inveterate observer, i.e: voyeur. I guess that’s my context. I call myself a social worker with a camera. The camera is my voice.

You now shoot with an iPhone which is further proof for me photography is about being in the moment and having the ability to capture it. What differences have you noted in your approach with this device?

The iPhone changed everything about my photography, my perspective and my life. The major difference in my approach is that I shoot like a maniac. I shoot every single day. I shoot through the windshield of my car. No need to load film, no lenses and other equipment to schlep along; no worries about costs of film or developing, the ability to post process and share in the palm of my hand; the amazing apps available for editing my images, the availability of my device at all times (you noticed that I wear my phone, right?), and best of all, ideal for street photography and portraiture, (my favorite genres) where I can shoot and move on, with the shutter in silent mode, and no one is any the wiser. Plus, when I am noticed, people don’t take me seriously because, after all, it’s only a phone, not a real camera and everyone has a phone, right?

One of the things I immediately noted and loved was that you take the work seriously, but not yourself - which is one of my favorite personal attributes. How do you see yourself in this world where image has arguably never been so elevated in our consciousness?

This is a tough question. I have never been big on self-esteem and am fully aware of the multitudes of artists that are further advanced than I. If you look at the work of many of the other iPhoneographers you will see so much work that is simply stunning and far more sophisticated than mine. I try to judge my work by where I am and not against others. I keep trying to improve my skills but I also have a dedication to aesthetics and integrity. I am fully aware of how much I don’t know. I do enter gallery calls for art and am always kind of amazed and humbled when my work is accepted, so I know, somewhat objectively, that my works meets some kind of standard. (I also get rejections.)

Photography is a journey for the viewer and photographer. What has been your most compelling discovery since starting the process?

I think I am always amazed when people praise my work or my work is accepted into a prestigious gallery exhibition. It took a lot, initially, for me to submit my work for any review as I was so sure  it would be found “not good enough”. This has been a refrain for me throughout my life; this issue of being “not good enough”. For whom? By whom? I try hard to steer clear of that concept and I think I am my worst critic. 

As far as the viewer, I am constantly surprised by the comments that people make about my work, about how they see it and how it resonates with them. Sometimes their comments are not in alignment with my own concepts or mood. I love that!

If possible, can you identify one photo that you have taken but keep coming back to it for further introspection?

Maybe not one photo, but my images of Danny, a homeless young man, are possibly the most meaningful to me, and force me to keep asking why he is unable to make any change and why he effects me so. He touches my soul and sometimes in talking to him, I get teary-eyed. He means a great deal to me. I would like to do a book about him.

You live here in Montclair and I have heard you mention your love for the area. What is it about this town that further fuels your passion?

I worked in Montclair when I was just out of college. I had a job here that I loved and grew very fond of this town. Perhaps it was the cultural environment, the integrated ethnicities, the upbeat and forward thinking environment. I always thought that Montclair was the most urban of the suburbs and the most sophisticated, with so many artists, musicians, theater and TV people, living here. I married and raised my children in Livingston but after my divorce, I came right back to Montclair. I felt that it was the right fit for a single woman, with access to so many cultural activities, as well as the proximity to NYC. I felt that it was the only suburb that didn’t fold up the sidewalks at night, which is very funny, since I rarely go out at night.

What is your favorite coffee or tea beverage? 

I am a serious coffee person. I mostly drink my coffee black although I also love cappuccino. I love iced coffee, sometimes with a scoop of ice-cream, and cold brew. Coffee and dark chocolate are my life’s blood.

www.marianrubin.com

Local Talk Series: Q+A with NJ Monthly Deputy and Dining Editor Eric Levin

Eric, we met a year ago while sitting on a panel at Montclair Design Week. How time flies! What have you been up to this past year?

I had the privilege of putting on a large solo show of my work in Jersey City. It was up from early July to the end of October. We had a great turnout at the reception, and many others came by during the run. My best friend and roommate from college, a professional photojournalist, even flew over from London. That was an honor, and we had a ton of fun. He said he wanted a great cheeseburger, and I found him one. I won’t say where, because, in my job, I don’t want to offend anybody or give anyone something to crow about unless it’s a finished piece of work in the magazine.

You are Deputy Editor/Dining Editor of New Jersey Monthly. How has this relationship with the Garden State influenced your photography work?

I am often on the road. I try to get all around the state during the course of the year. Wherever I go, my antennae are always out, looking for things in the ordinary, everyday world that stop me in my tracks. They stop me because they don’t seem ordinary to me at all. I often say that things that seem inanimate to others don’t seem inanimate to me.

You have self-published several books of your photography. How did you arrive at the point when you knew you were ready to publicly share your photography story?

When I discovered how good the blurb.com interface was, and that the paper and printing quality were quite good, I was off and running. I have a large body of work—in digital, going back to 2002, and on film going back to the ‘70s and ‘80s on Kodachrome.

At what age did you begin your craft and what was the initial driver for you to consider photography as a path?

I began by taking a course in black-and-white photography as a freshman at Boston University in the fall of 1967. Yes, I am that old. I learned by using a hand-held light meter and adjusting shutter speeds and apertures manually. A great grounding. I also learned to develop black-and-white film and to print in a darkroom, often staying up all night blasting the Beatles and Clapton and Coltrane. I still have the passion, for music and photography, but my heart has always been with color. As for stamina…I gave up all-nighters some time ago.

Of the current collection of images @ Local, which one brings you back for re-interpretation?

I’m not sure what you mean by that. All the pictures at Local are ones I feel good about, but they all represent a distinct moment in time and space, and if I came across those same things again, I would probably walk right by them if the light was dull. The light is always the key thing. 

Photography is an evolution, personal development as well as technology and equipment. Do you like where we are today and where photography is going or do you prefer a past time with arguably simpler options?

I’m glad I learned the basics with film, and a lot of great artists I admire still shoot film. But I for one would never go back. Digital does everything so well. I have a Canon digital SLR, but honestly, the iPhone has gotten so insanely good that it is now my daily camera. I got the iPhone 11Pro Max in September, and it is ridiculously good, opens with a single swipe, is sharp, with true color and now even includes geometrical as well as light and color corrections right in the phone.

I would like to name a few of my favorite photographers. For color, no one has been more influential in getting the art world to take color seriously—and no one has been more inspiring and awesome to me than William Eggleston. He is world famous, and there is no one like him. His pictures are quiet, calm, simple yet unsettling and resistant to explanation. Also deeply beautiful. Check him out! 

In black-and-white my top-line heroes are Lee Friedlander, another world-famous artist, and John Gossage, ditto but less well known to the general public. Both guys have the genius of imbedding pictures with some insinuating energy (and humor) that is hard to pinpoint but is always more than the sum of its parts.

What's next on your journey? Is there a project you are working on or working towards?

This winter I would like to make a book of my recent solo show, which was called Vehicular. I define the term broadly. It includes everything from a rainwater-filled wheelbarrow to an overturned canoe to a beach guard’s skateboard to bulldozers, haywagons, people on a cruise ship and people standing around waiting way too long for an elevator. You can see their impatience in their body language.

What's your favorite coffee or tea beverage?

I am a cold brew devotee. I make it at home by the pitcher. But I also love a good double espresso.

Follow Eric on Instagram @ericlevin

Local Talk: Q+A with multi-media artist Colleen James

Thanks so much for sharing your work @ Local! Initial response has been overwhelmingly positive. Tell us about these images and especially the composition.

The series Wave is intended to draw the viewer in on a few levels. The ocean has a calming effect — a respite in nature from our busy lives. The image is at once familiar and unfamiliar. I’ve combined images to create something that is intended to pull you in, to make you look closer and ask if it’s real or imagined. I like to play with collage — to physically cut/paste/combine the images in a new abstract way.

Santa Monica has this really magical/ special mojo, what pulled you into using this location as your canvas?

I was traveling for work and woke up early one morning. The moment of sunrise is so special, especially when you’re alone — the quality of the light, the magnitude of it all.

Art is a passion project for you, yes? At what point in your life did you start putting concepts together?

Art is more of a way of living for me, and always has been. It’s a kind of meditation. My mother was an artist, and my two sisters and daughter are artists. I studied painting in college, with a focus on portraiture, and up until a few years ago I was exclusively into realism. Since 2015 I’ve moved to collage and abstract painting. I’m also lucky to have a day job that I’m passionate about (working for the furniture brand Knoll).

How, why and when do you take on a particular project?

I like to experiment and work in a multitude of styles and mediums at once. In my studio I usually have 3-4 projects going at any given time. Right now I just finished a portrait for a friend, and I’m also working on a large color block painting. I find that keeps my work fresh.

Is there a particular medium you prefer working with?

Oil or acrylic painting is my favorite — I love the feel of the paint, the excitement of a new canvas. It’s where I find my happy place.
 

Is there a project that you have been working towards for some time but haven't taken that next step? I ask this question because so many of us have thoughts to building a creative model or platform but just stop short before fully committing.

I start a painting series and usually stop after 3-4 pieces and start something completely new. At some point I’d like to find a language that I stick with for a longer period. I feel fortunate to have a passion and practice that I can lean into even more as I grow older — age presents no limitations when it comes to art.

What does living in Montclair mean to you as an artist?

I’ve be deepening my involvement in the community of artists here in Montclair. It’s an incredibly rich and welcoming group. 

You are donating proceeds of sales of this project to Toni's kitchen which is an awesome gesture. Tell us more about your connection to this truly unique and valued organization right here in Montclair.

My husband and I both volunteer there. The mission is so important — the people who run it are incredible as are the people they serve. I like the idea of using my art to connect with the community.

What's next for you in the art space?

I’m working on an abstract series on paper and canvas. I’m inspired by the repetitive patterning of artists like Damien Hirst and Agnes Martin. You can find it on my website at colleen-james.art

What is your favorite coffee or tea beverage?

I’m pretty simple when it comes to coffee. Good, strong drip coffee with milk.

Local Talk - Q+A with Photographer Leah Morgan

Leah, we're so excited to show your work at Local as it captures such joyful moments and expressions of a land and culture historically known for expressing their love. For me, it's a constant reminder that it's a good day to have a good day. Please tell us why you pursued this project.

Thank you for showcasing Good Morning Jamaica! I pursued this project because I absolutely love the country. The landscape is spectacular, the food is delicious, the water is warm and crystal clear, and the people, well, their smiles are contagious and their love for life is inspiring. For me, visiting Jamaica is a time to bring balance back into my life. A time for me to slow down, in a place where I am surrounded by happy people and positives vibes. Every day in Jamaica is a good day to have a good day.

Each time I visit Jamaica, my love for the people, the landscape and the culture grows stronger. I am continuously impressed by the loving spirit of the local people, their value of hard work, and most of all, their smiles.  I am inspired to give back to the people that give me so much joy. I would love nothing more than to be able to take the proceeds from this exhibition and contribute it to the local communities. Giving back to the community is always the mission that drives my work as a social documentary photographer.

Montclair is an interesting town where there is extreme levels of wealth but also poverty just around the corner and yet there seems to be dissatisfaction irrespective of social caste. How did you find the different classes of people vs. their general mood for the people in Jamaica?

I find the mood of Jamaicans is generally happy, no matter their class. When I ask locals how they are today, their response is usually given with a big loving smile and they say they are blessed. No matter what, rich or poor, big house or small house, showering with cold water or in a river, driving or walking to work, they feel happy and grateful to live another day.

There is one image from this Good Morning Jamaica collection of a man standing alone along the shore but he is not looking out at the ocean. He is looking inland with hand extended. What is going on here?  

 That’s William. He's blind. Every day he walks alone, along the shore of Negril’s Seven Mile Beach with his cane in tow. He stops occasionally and puts his hand out, hoping someone will give him some spare change. I will continue to try to support him because having a disability is challenging enough, let alone in a place that doesn’t have as many resources. If you meet William, he greets you with a sweet smile and genuine gratitude, not just for the donation, but also for the time you invested in talking with him. 

Your work has taken you all over the world and I can't help but ask if there was one project that has had the greatest impact on your discipline.

I studied with a National Geographic Photographer in Italy for many years. She made the greatest impact on me by teaching me how to get up close and personal with my subjects, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone which enabled me to deepen my creativity.  She helped guide me into more of a fine arts style of shooting. I'm always looking forward to my next opportunity with her.

A topic I've discussed with many of our Local photographers is that of digital/ cell phone photography vs. the more traditional camera. Do you have a POV for how or what is used in photography?

A few years ago, I might have said using a traditional camera was the best way to capture amazing images. But that’s not necessarily true anymore.  I believe it’s easier to approach a person with an iPhone because of its unobtrusive small size, and with today's technology, come away with stunning portraits.  Many of the images here in my exhibition were shot using my iPhone. 

I love that you extended your discipline into a charitable cause with Cards for Kids. Please tell us how you got started with this program and what it has meant to you.

 I started Cards for Kids after visiting and volunteering for several years at local schools in the Negril area of Jamaica. I noticed they needed so many supplies and necessities at these schools. Many of these children would arrive to class without items that we take for granted such as pencils, shoes or even food, which impacts their ability to learn properly. I simply can't allow that. It pains me to see families that are struggling to send their children to school and on top of that, worry about how their children are going to eat that day. I paired up with The Rockhouse Foundation and started donating to this amazing organization. The Rockhouse Foundation not only builds schools in impoverished areas, but they also provide the children with supplies, and most importantly, breakfast daily. 

What's next for you and how best to stay in touch with your work?  

You can learn more about my projects through my website, leahmichelephotography.com. You can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook @leahmichelephotography.

What is your favorite coffee or tea beverage? 

My favorite coffee beverage is iced coffee. I love it and drink it all year long, even in the winter. Plus, I'm meticulously obsessive about how it's prepared, so I make it myself, using an old-school espresso maker. First, I make the espresso in advance and refrigerate. Then, I mix 2-3 shots with a little bit of half n half, agave sugar, and ice.  Delicious...which goes perfectly with the Granola Lab Cranberry Cashew Compound that I'm constantly picking up from Local Coffee. 

Local Talk - Q+A with New York Street Photographer Scot Surbeck

Scot, let's start with the evening you hung your photographs @ Local. I was anticipating perhaps an hour or so to place all of the images and then 4 hours in, you were almost done. Clearly, there's a highly complex process driving your craft. So two initial questions:

How do you approach each project so there's a comprehensive contextual experience? 

I study the exhibit space and how people move through it, the lighting (both natural and artificial), and the sound (ambient and music). I  envision the experience of entering and first seeing the pictures, and then moving  in for a closer look.  I then try to create an exhibit that has a strong emotional and visual presence and also enhances the space.

How did you approach the project for Local including the masterful grid display system?

The large patina metal panels and high ceiling allowed me to create a show that is relatively dense with images  and includes large scale (20" x 30") pictures mounted high that can be easily seen because of their size.  By carefully and precisely arranging the photos, a grid was created which seems appropriate for pictures taken on the grid of streets in New York City.

You have a super intimate relationship with NYC which is evident from the manner in which you capture a variety of moments. NYC is arguably the capital of the world so no surprise in selecting this market but what specific elements draw you in?

 I always feel fully alive when I'm in New York City and I look for that energy in the people and situations around me.

Of the current collection of images @ Local, which one brings you back for re-interpretation?

I can't say there's one that I keep coming back to. They are all equally interesting to me. 

At what age did you begin your craft and what was the initial driver for you to consider photography as a path?

I've loved photography all of my working life, most of which has been spent as an architect. There was no one moment when I became a street photographer. It happened gradually, then gathered steam. Now street photography defines and nurtures me, and gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

Photography is an evolution, personal development as well as technology and equipment. Do you like where we are today and where photography is going or do you prefer a past time with arguably simpler option?

My learning curve as a photographer was greatly accelerated by the transformation from film to digital, and the development  of image processing software such as photoshop and light-room. It simply became much easier - and less expensive - to learn how to produce decent work. Technology doesn't produce fine art however. In order to do that, you're on your own.

What's next on you journey? Is there a project that you are working on or working towards?

My journey is street photography. I want to get better, to keep evolving as an artist and a person.

What's your favorite coffee or tea beverage?

Black coffee, room for half and half, sweetened slightly by stevia.

More of Scot’s work here: https://www.scotsurbeck.com/index

Local Talk - Q+A with Global Street Photographer Alan Holzman

What formal photography training, if any, have you had?

My parents gave me my first camera when I was 5 years old after I had my tonsils removed.  When I was in high school my dad and I built a darkroom in the cellar giving us a great opportunity to share the mutual passion of photography.   College, grad school and family had me place any serious photography on the back burner for many years.  About 5 years ago when I lost a job I really loved, in a school for emotionally disturbed kids, (I eventually earned a PhD in Clinical Social Work) I decided to turn back to photography.  Street photography helped me integrate my interest in connecting with people and and my love of making photos.  I feel I always develop a relationship with someone I photograph even it the connection only lasts a few seconds.

I'm pretty much self taught.  I attend many lectures  on photography and have been involved in B & H's Event Space Portfolio Development program for several years.  This has helped me develop my skills considerably and also facilitated my acceptance into 3 group shows at Soho Photo Gallery in New York.  In addition, I've taken a few street photography workshops.

What camera/ cameras are your go-to for this particular discipline? 

I try to use film cameras as often as possible, however, I shoot with digital cameras as well.  My film cameras include a Yashica twin lens reflex, a Leica rangefinder and a Hasselblad.  Digitally I mostly use my Fujiflim x100t and my pocketable Ricoh GR II.

There was a brief time when I was an aspiring photographer working on a studio in NYC and at the time, I recall the need to ‘get the shot’. Time, expense, film cost all contributed to this need. As film has moved to digital with time, expense and cost all but becoming a non-factor - are we better or worse for capturing that special shot?

I think "getting the shot" is more dependent upon the photographer than the gear.  Digital allows more flexibility and less cost no doubt, however, I find that film slows me down and forces me to pay more attention to subject matter.  I also enjoy the process of developing film.

Images of people are very personal with the subject generally wanting to be viewed through a certain view. Who gets to decide on that view when you’re photographing someone?

When I photograph people on the street there is a combination of the subject's response and my timing.  Many of my street images, especially in India, are actually street portraits, where I ask a subject for permission and then they get to pose as they wish.  I often ask them not to smile but the rest is up to them.  I choose when to click the shutter.

We have galleries, museums and other venues like Local that aim to share artistic work with a public viewing audience. What is your favorite and/ or recommended channel for experiencing your work? 

I like seeing my images printed and hanging on a wall.  Physical images are very dear to me.  Whether in my home or a gallery or at Local, I much prefer a real, tangible photograph to a digital image on a screen.  With that said, I also find that sites like Instagram allow our work to reach a bigger audience.

What has been the most enlightening image you’ve ever captured - either at that moment of releasing the shutter or evaluating images afterwards?

I don't have one "most enlightening image."  However, photographs in which I've been able to capture emotion have the greatest impact on me.

What has been the most difficult shot to capture and why? 
You ask about the most difficult image I've ever captured. I don't have just one, but a few years ago I did a project in which I made street portraits of New York City police officers.  Initially, I was very intimidated.  Approaching  officers and asking them to pose was, at first,  quite stressful.  After some time I became more comfortable and had a really enjoyed talking with and photographing the officers of NYPD.

What do you hope comes of the public viewing your work?

I hope that people who come to Local and see my images are moved by the wonderful subjects that have become faces that I will forever remember.

What projects do you have coming up? 

Currently I'm working on a project about myself.  I'm scheduled for knee replacement surgery on January 30 and I'm attempting to document the entire process (not the surgery itself) from pre surgical visits to post surgical recovery.  

What is your favorite coffee or tea beverage? 

Favorite coffee/tea:  I love a good cup of strong black coffee.  Also, Local makes a drink (I forget the name) with cayenne pepper that I really enjoy.  I'm also a big tea drinker.

ps. the drink is ‘Funktado’ :)

IG: @alanholzmanphoto

Inquiries: adhphd@gmail.com , Mobile: 973.985.1739