The Village at Winona is great arts community set on the peaceful Winona Lake. Despite a random back injury (with my wonderful husband's help and patience) I managed to hobble out to their 10th Annual Art Fair on Sunday, June 7th.
There were lots of great artists with booths. Two artists I want to mention are Elle Shanklin of Lizzy Anne Clothing Company and Fine Art Photographer Robert J. Morris.
Lizzy Anne's Sock Monkey Knot Dress, Sweet Caroline Twirler and Sweet Pea Knot Dress are just completely adorable and would make show-stopping selections for anyone with young daughters who are looking to update their portraits this summer! The colors just POP! See the LizzyAnne line at www.elleshanklin.etsy.com.
During my journey as a photographer, I have metamorphosized into and out of many artistic styles and philosophies. One of my unchanging qualities, however, has been my love of black-and-white photography. Perhaps it's because I first started shooting "for hire" as a black-and-white film photographer, but I have to hope it's not just sentimental feelings that drive my love. I started teaching some photography courses this past year and I've noticed very few digital photographers appreciate black-and-white photography -- most just use it as a default color conversion setting when the quality of light in one of their color photographs is not optimal. I've always been disappointed in that treatment of black-and-white photography because it does not take into account the tremendous power, beauty and richness of the subtle range of tones black-and-white photography affords. Black-and-white photography was given true excellence in the hands of Ansel Adams, but in modern times, it's largely overlooked.
Robert J. Morris is a fine art photographer who also fell in love with black-and-white photography. Mr. Morris has received numerous awards for his work, so I was honored to have the chance to meet him in person at the Art Fair. Robert is a humble, unassuming, kind man. I dared to take up his time by voicing my shared love of black-and-white photography and mentioned my hope to bring him to Fort Wayne at some point to talk to my photography students about black-and-white photography. I have no question that Mr. Morris believes in inspiring others to pursue their interests in the arts. In 1999, he helped found The Photographers Guild in Goshen, Indiana to promote the practice and teaching of the photographic arts in a cooperative studio located in Millrace Center (a renovated 1860's lumber yard). He also offers a workshop on improving the composition of photographs at selected photo shoot sites. For more information, visit his Web site at www.morrisgallery.com. One of my favorite shots of his ones of Cedar Falls in Logan, Ohio. Simply beautiful.
Spend your summer well. Find someone who inspires you. And...inspire someone else!!!!!!!!
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