"Everything Is A Portrait"

Lucien Freud

Now, I am of the age of those who resided in the nursing home. As they did, I am looking around me and focusing on the unique beauty in the simple common things I see all the time. Before I push the shutter in my analog camera, I think about the sitter, the site, and the light, and I ask for guidance from the great Masters and the Muses. My viewpoint is that when I photograph the subject it is not about me but about everything else. A mountain is a mountain; a plant is a plant; a city is a city; a person is a person. Each subject has its own presence and spirit. My focus now is Leaving Behind. I want to stay attached to every image I take, whatever the subject because all these people and things I have observed and recorded, I will have to leave behind.

Many years ago, my granddaughter asked me when I decided to become an artist. I responded that I just am, it is part of my being. There is no choice. Being an artist is both a gift and a burden. My decision is how to utilize this passion within me. How can this urge deep inside me do some good and have a positive impact? I am guided by three words: Relevance, Empathy and Respect.

Over many years, a series of circumstances have inspired me to apply my photographic

skills to reveal the humanity and contributions of various members in our communities. I began by portraiture of residents who live in local nursing homes and recording their stories. This series of portraits was exhibited in various venues including the Camera Club of New York. My attention became focused on three things: life in a nursing home, the residents’ outlook on their lives, and the wisdom they had to offer us. I found therein a new and inspiring path that drew upon my photographic experience and that opened my eyes and mind to new insights.

People presents a series of portraits that delve into the depths of human emotions that capture the essence of subjects, allowing viewers to connect with the stories behind each face.

A Collection of Works

Places is a collection of locations that evoke a sense of serenity and tranquility. Each piece is a unique exploration of color, texture, and form, capturing the essence of nature's beauty.

Environmental Activism focuses on destruction and continuity, resulting in captivating and thought-provoking compositions creating visually dynamic artwork.

Objects reveal the beauty of ordinary subjects inviting viewers to appreciate the simple joys found in the world around them.

Education

PENUMBRA FOUNDATION, NEW YORK

ZIATYPE, PLATINUM/PALLADIUM, CYANOTYPE, COLLIDIO CHLORIDE, ALBUMEN, TINTYPE

GROLIER CLUB OF NEW YORK GROUP SHOW

2023

Exhibitions

INTERNATIONAL CENTER OF PHOTOGRAPHY, NEW YORK

PORTRAITURE, ADVANCE PRINTING IN BLACK AND WHITE AND COLOR

SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS, NEW YORK

BASIC DARKROOM TECHNIQUES

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY STEINHARDT SCHOOL

MASTERS OF ARTS, ARTS ADMINISTRATION

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

GRADUATE SEMINARS IN 14TH & 17TH CENTURY ITALIAN PAINTERS

COURTAULD INSTITUTE OF ART

ITALIAN RENAISSANCE ART

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

BACHELOR OF ARTS, ART HISTORY, MUSIC HISTORY

THE ARTS SOCIETY OF KINGSTON KINGSTON, NY

2021

PHILADELPHIA ART ALLIANCE GROUP SHOW

1975

VINCENT KLING ARCHITECTS

1972

THE NATIONAL ALPINE MUSEUM OF SWITZERLAND

1998

CAMERA CLUB OF NEW YORK

2001

Contact

margeryschab@gmail.com