News & Events 2002-2003

Photographer Ray Yaros Exhibits “Hand of Man, Hand of Nature” in Romano Gallery

Photographer Ray Yaros exhibits “Hand of Man, Hand of Nature” in the Romano Gallery in the Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts at Blair Academy from April 28 through May 29, 2003.

According to Yaros, “The scenes depicted here may at first glance appear disparate. After all, man and nature are frequently portrayed as opposites. But I find in them a similar spirit, old not new, quiet not noisy and most of all peaceful. These subjects have witnessed the passage of time marked by fallen limbs or peeling paint. What stories they could tell if only they could speak. And yet they do speak differently to each viewer. Those who take the time to examine the details and contemplate the possibilities can wonder: what animals stopped here to drink or who slept in this room?”

As for his technique, Yaros explained, “Large format photography is an inherently slow process. There is no auto exposure or motorized film advance. The heavy and bulky equipment cannot be hurried, and that is its advantage. The process encourages, almost demands, that subjects be chosen with care. Only those subjects that ‘speak to me’ and that in some way move me, are ever photographed. Only these special places are worth the effort to discern what they are saying and worth the time to best capture the feeling they evoke.”

Yaros, a self-taught photographer and black & white printer, is a native of New Jersey and has resided in Lebanon, N.J., since 1977. He has exhibited at the Hunterdon Art Center, Clinton; Watchung Arts Center; Johnson & Johnson World Headquarters, New Brunswick; Bergen County Division of Cultural Affairs Gallery West, Hackensack; the Essex Fine Arts Gallery and Weiss Arts Center, Montclair; the Barn Gallery at Ringwood Manor State Park; and frequently at the Lamington Presbyterian Church Art Show where his photographs received first place awards in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998 and 2002. His work is in the collection of the Hunterdon County Cultural and Heritage Commission and in many private collections.

The Romano Gallery is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and by appointment. Please call (908) 362-6121, ext. 5690, for more information.

Return to 2002-2003 Table of Contents