Moods from Israel

A year ago at this time, Susan and I were in Israel for an unforgettable visit. Along the way, two unexpected souls crossed our path and left an indelible impression on our mood. Israel's Future (at left) was taken near the Jerusalem Cardo, a little girl with expressions of innocence and apprehension about the future, alone but not abandoned, hopeful of a safe and productive life. Rachelle (below) was our guide at the Yemin Orde orphanage. She had made aliyah from Ethiopia and embodied all our hopes for future peace and friendship among nations.

Deep Shadows

One of the virtues of black and white photography is that shadows create high impact moods. Two examples are shown above. The Cliffs at Page accentuate the setting sun's shadows, presenting a mood of pending chill in the last light of evening. Canyon de Chelly's Rock Range features a black band of foliage at the bottom that draws the eye up to the majestic rock icon in the center, made all the more prominent by the shadows it creates. Enjoy.

Beach Roots at Staten Island, Summer 2010

Here's one of my new favorite images. I love the contrast of lights and darks, of fine hair tentacles with the large roots and bulbous base, of various textures and shadows. Guess it's a photo only a mother could love, but I thought I'd share it with you in case you missed it walking on the beach last summer.

Yosemite on High

Seems like a good time to contemplate the powers of nature. Ansel Adams was at home here with the dominating clouds above snowy ledges and dark cliffs. For photographers, Yosemite presents a pallet of tones from the white whites to the sky filtered to black and everything in-between. It’s tempting not to try to breath in the fresh air of the place from this image.

Treading Water Image

Welcome to a Pac-Man Convention, a lily pond at the Grounds for Sculpture in Trenton, NJ. The pads seem to float in space until you see the underwater rocks for perspective. A lot of visual excitement here if you look closely, without the distraction of color. Enjoy.

Curves

Since we are all photographers at heart, I hope you won’t mind my occasional intrusion with a photo and caption. My own thoughts about an image might spark an idea for your own work or play.

If you’re from the Southwest, you have probably known about the church Georgia O’Keeffe made famous in Rancho de Taos. Every photo or painting of this monument is different. I think my image speaks to the contrast between heavy masses and soft, almost feminine, curves. It’s amazing something so organic could be man-made. I like it in black and white because it accentuates the lines and shadows that give it such character. Enjoy. And Happy Thanksgiving.

Ira Thomas www.irathomasphotos.com

Permanent Collection at the Butler Institute of American Art

I just heard that the Butler Institute has added the 18 images from my “essence” show to their permanent collection. Director Louis Zona commented, “The exhibition was truly remarkable, and …the works will be enjoyed by museum visitors now and in the future.” The images are included on my website at www.irathomasphotos.com. Zona wrote further, “While Ira Thomas would certainly be uncomfortable with comparisons…, I believe that Ira possesses abilities that recall the eye and the sensitivity to surface and form that distinguish the work of Ansel Adams.”

I am humbled by these comments and share them with you only in that context.


Signature image from the Butler Show: Graceful Curve, Grand Canyon 2010