What can you say about your photographic vision? Not your mechanical technique, nor the hardware you use, nor special processes. We are talking about what inspired, motivated and drew you to make a photograph. What was your intention, your vision? What drove you to commit to finishing a print for presentation? This was the driving motivation for Steve Sherman in creating the first annual Photo Arts Xchange (PaX) gathering in Rocky Hill, Connecticut this past weekend.
Steve contacted Susan and I in June and proposed an idea for a different kind of event for serious photographic artists. This was a new and fresh concept that we both immediately knew we had to be part of. Rather than trying to explain the mission of PaX in too much detail, here is an excerpt from the PaX web site;
Photo Arts Xchange is a collaboration of lifelong committed photographers. Our goal at first is to create a long weekend of image sharing with only a brief mention of tools and technique with the majority of focus on Concept and Content of one’s imagery. . .
To be clear, this weekend event is not a vehicle to sell your books & videos or fill workshops, rather an event to give back the knowledge that each of us has been blessed to acquired as a result of an uncommon commitment to a chosen genre of photography.
PaX is unique in that it is not a review, workshop, nor a technical event. It is about the art of photography. A closer look at those things that are not pure science, but are the real heart and soul of a finished image. An exploration of the art of photography, not the craft.
Those of us that were part of the planning and execution of PaX have been overwhelmed by the experience. We all agree that we were in total mental overload from the sheer volume of exquisite imagery we were exposed to in the two days of sharing and discussing what makes each of us tick artistically. We believe we have been extremely successful in creating an event that encourages creative minds to explore their vision and to share that vision and enlighten others to the really difficult part of art. . . that inner voice that says here is something you need to say. . . something you can only say with an image.
Susan and I feel we are extremely fortunate to be a part of the founding of PaX and we are looking forward to PaX 2020. We would like to thank everyone that attended. And a special heart felt thanks to Steve and those that worked very hard to make PaX 2019 such a success.
We can only imagine what next year will be like!
JB & Susan
https://www.photoartsxchange.com
