All images copyright by the individual photographers

4th Annual Holiday Show It has been said that Photography is not Fine Art, but rather an amalgam of individual taste, grafted onto mechanical proficiency.  Nothing could be further from this tired hollow epithet when one views and experiences the exhibitions that are proud to be displayed each month at the Image City Photographic Gallery;  especially so when you come and see the current Holiday Show, the excellent work of 21 fine photographers.
	Curves by Lois Trieb All of Lois’s delightful prints show her exquisite, artistic vision, giving us intimate, delicate, yet powerful images that reflect her love and passion for nature and the environment. There is no need to intensify the elements in her pictures to induce an emotional response from the viewer, for each image has been captured and presented in such an exemplary way, that the viewer cannot fail to be moved by their beauty and artistry. “Curves”, majestically illustrates all of Lois’s exceptional talents, with the added bonus of the subject’s compelling rich color palette, design and form. With the exemplary use of close-up photography, your eye is transported into the intricacies of the flower center, through a portal of rich deep pinks and reds, through a sea of delicate yellows, aided by the delicate curves, folds and veins of the petals. One’s journey is immediately confronted with the powerful upthrust of several elegant, graceful, stamens, reaching seemingly into the unknown, until they culminate at the anthers, whose sacs are bursting with pollen grains, ones carrying the hope and life of the next generation.  The range of both subtle and strong color hues we see on our journey all add to the sheer beauty, complexity, and magnificence of nature at its finest.  No painter could duplicate such an awe-inspiring image, superbly captured by the artist in this exceptional photograph.
	Blue Bike and Barn by Joseph Sorrentino We take pictures with our hearts and minds, because we love them, and this is just such an image that we can all love. The use of bold vibrant colors enhances the strong graphic design. Who could not love the vivid red color of the side of the barn, complemented impressively with the red-painted milk churn, or the bright white window frame and white lattice, echoed by the white stripe around the churn and the snow engulfed in the foreground. That scene alone would be eye-catching enough, but into it we introduce an impressive element, namely a venerable, well used, sturdy, rusting, deep- blue bicycle. The addition of this sterling mode of transportation, with its burlap-lined pannier basket gives a dramatic boost to the rustic setting, and greatly enhances the story telling aspect of the whole scene. For example, even with the presence of a touch of snow, the empty saddle evokes countless thoughts of the person or persons who ride or have shared this time – worn blue bicycle. The strong graphic design is further enhanced by the significant presence of a rusting metal frame affixed to the barn in the top-right quadrant of the picture. That this frame is a lovingly shaped heart completes the whole scenario, leaving us with a delightful image that could proudly grace any wall at home, or as we see here, with great distinction in this exhibition. One would be remiss if I did not mention that the soft lighting adds a distinctive glow to the bold colors, creating a rustic scene of immense charm, warmth and love.
	Above it All by Kay Vergo. This monumental image, complemented so strikingly with an impressive custom-made frame, would be a conversation piece in any Art or Photographic Gallery.  How this compelling abstract design was artistically photographed we should not dwell on, what is of paramount importance, is what it conveys to the viewer. What do we see and experience, both visually and emotionally? Can we relate this image to our own reflections?  There are no restrictions, no preconceptions, no prejudices, even though our thoughts and ideas are re-enforced by our culture. To me, I see this fascinating image in religious tones, of pain and suffering, but also of hope for the future. I can certainly perceive, or at least imagine, the rivers and streams of blood, reflecting the pain and suffering of generations, crossing whole continents, and every landscape.  It is only a short step to envisage the broken and cracked veneer of life’s very existence, eroded through countless centuries of sorrow and despair, so clearly outlined throughout this dramatic fresco. All of this can be of monumental significance, but it is the “fingers”, stretching from the center of the image, reaching for the symbolic circular design, that speaks of hope for the future. The broken nails on the fingers speak of the hardships and hazards on life’s way, and some fingers are turned as though their faith is not strong enough to overcome the evils and setbacks that face them. Thankfully, most lines, streams and cracks radiate towards the goal, scarred with blood, with rivers still to cross, but hope and faith still beckons us, and we know that we will eventually make it, whatever obstacles are in our path. This remarkable photograph, a truly powerful abstract image, has tremendous meaning and strength to those who take the time like I did, to study it in great detail. A truly wonderful, thought-provoking image, beautifully presented by Kay Vergo.