Recently I wrote about meeting the great photographer George Krause and what a wonderful pleasure it was. We had a great conversation in person and several subsequent chats over the phone.
I don’t know if I will ever see George again … he lives in Texas and I live in Pennsylvania. Neither of us has any plans to visit each other’s state. That having been said, I did something very important. I mailed George a check for a signed copy of his wonderful book George Krause: A Retrospective. I also found a signed copy of his first book, George Krause I.
I feel very lucky to have these fine books and would want them in my collection whether we had met or not … and whether they were signed or not. But having met and spoken to George several times made getting these signed books all the more special and necessary to me! Why? Because George is not only a great photographer and educator, he’s truly a good guy. Something rare in today’s hyped up photo/art world.
I will always treasure these two marvelous signed books. Whenever I look at them and see his signature I will think of the connection I made with George and the connection I will always have with him.
Stay well,
Michael
Michael Torosian of Lumiere Press in Toronto said it well:
“Exhibitions are ephemeral. Books – fine books – serve photography best.”
His fine limited edition books are works of art unto themselves. But so are what Lodima Press puts out, and others of course. Bulfinch Press did a beautiful job with John Sexton’s books. And, as you describe, a book purchase can be an avenue towards a larger connection with a fellow artist. I had an enjoyable back and forth with Merg Ross when I bought his book. Merg’s father was Don Ross, who was a close friend of Brett Weston, with Merg following in both their footsteps. Online “images?” They will never be a substitute for real books.
Mark,
Thanks for checking and for your most thoughtful comments! I like what Michael Torsion said. Sadly I do not own any of his fine books but do own one of Sexton’s and several from Lodima Press. I treasure all my books and am grateful to own them!
Best,
Michael
I have Michael Smith’s Tuscany book. The quality of the printing is second to none, and do justice to a fearsome technique. 8×20 contact prints that display edge to edge perfection. Enjoy them as works of art, and, if you choose, turn a critical eye to them. Having worked in a custom lab in the early 90’s, I can’t help turning a critical eye to them, or any photograph. Smith was a man in total control of his materials and processes. I can’t find a single flaw in any of them, and I tried. I’m sorry I never got to meet him! But through his books he lives on. As do Strand, Weston, all the greats.
Mark,
I own several of Michael and Paula’s books and was lucky to come to know them both. I now live about 20 minutes from Paula.We stay in touch and get together given her hectic schedule. I had the privilege of assisting Michael with the printing of about 100 pictures for the Chicago book over a weekend. It was a real experience to say the least that I will never forget!
Best,
Michael