I am a locally recognized film based and digital photographer practicing mindful minimalism in style while maintaining a traditional approach to my work. 

 

After a career in the financial markets, I had the unique opportunity to assist Jack Leblebijian, a legendary master in the art of black and white wet darkroom printing.  I came to know Jack after he retired from 45 years of running the famed B&W department at Gamma Photo Labs in Chicago.  I was in the right place in my life when friend and photographer Elie Berkman opened Polaris Photo Lab in Glencoe, IL.  Elie snagged Jack out of retirement and hired me to assist him.  Once word got out that Jack was back in business,  the prominent Chicago photographers, Art Shay, Marc Hauser, Archie Lieberman and other noteworthy institutions and photographers brought in their work.

 

It was here that I discovered the appeal of black and white photography to be the stunning ability to reduce a scene to its basic elements of light, shape, texture, pattern and mood.  Along with learning the art of printmaking, Jack shared with me his vast wisdom and knowledge.   This solid foundation of training gave rise to my creative voice as an artist.  My practice is a form of visual meditation inspired by poetic symbolism and metaphor.  My intent is to bring a deeper awareness to the transient and subtle beauty of nature in the cycle of life.  

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It is difficult to imagine my creative path without the influence from my mentorship with Jack.  He was an exceptionally talented person who came into my life and brought meaning to it.

I strive to live by the standards of excellence he required of himself.

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I have continued my education at The School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, The Santa Fe Workshops and The Maine Media Workshops.  I am a member of the Chicago Photographic Arts Society, The Wilmette Arts Guild, The North Shore Art League and The Highland Park Art Center.  Along with exhibiting in galleries both locally and throughout the United States, my work has been published and can be found in permanent and private collections.