John Heymann
Red Boxes, Porter Square, Cambridge, Photography
There was a woods near my parents house when I was a child. I remember walking through it regularly, noticing the shadows made by the trees, the slight hills and dips in the landscape. I spent much time playing in the wood, making up stories and songs.
In high school I began writing poems and short stories which continued in college. After college I published some poetry but started taking photographs as well. Photography grabbed me by the throat when I started working as a photography intern at a newspaper and teaching photography in the Boston Community Schools.
I studied or learned photography in the old fashioned way: by hanging out with other photographers, taking many photos regularly, and studying the work of photographers I admired.
I am a member of NoCA (North Cambridge Arts) and was chair for five years, ending in 2017. Since then, I have been on the board of the PRC
(Photographic Resource Center). I have exhibited many times in Cambridge for decades. Recently, I had an exhibit at the O’Neill Library and later this month I will have an exhibit at CCTV (Cambridge Community TV).
Perkins Cove, Maine, Photography
I think that they play an important role as innovators, teachers, and communicators. Art encourages an exchange of ideas in society. Self expression is a cornerstone of personal identity and art encourages people to discover their personal cornerstone.
Photography is my medium. I discovered that I had no talent as a musician, little talent as an actor, some talent as a writer, and more talent as a photographer. Plus, photography promised more opportunity for a professional career than the other media.
I am inspired by the play of light and shadow, its endless possibilities for metaphor. I have yet to meet a shadow that I don’t like. I give myself assignments such as my current one, the Mass Ave Cambridge project with an upcoming exhibit at CCTV. I regularly look at photography and painting in books, galleries, open studios, and museums. I meet regularly with other photographers to critique photos and make art with other artists at NoCA (North Cambridge Arts).
The theme of light and shadow is a consistent subject matter. The nouns along Mass. Ave. in Cambridge, that is, people, places, and things.
I enjoy observing life as it happens in public spaces and trying to photograph the activity of life in an interesting or appealing way.
Harvard Square Subway Entrance, Photography
I have many favorites and, of course, favorites of other photographers work. Personally, I’m pleased with my photos of the Southwest landscape, some abstract pieces, and some examples of light and shadow in black and white.
To continue to enjoy taking photos, to remain energetic, to photograph with a larger purpose. By a larger purpose I mean photos that are connected to a theme or project rather than random photos.
I enjoy galleries, museums, open studios, photo critiques.
Graciela Iturbide and Lee Friedlander
Yes, paintings, prints, and photographs
Yes. The Mass Ave Cambridge project at Cambridge Community TV, starting May 24. Reception, Weds June 12 from 6 to 8 pm. Artist’s talk, Tues June 18 at 7 pm.
SEE MORE JOHN!
Website: www.johnheymannphotography.com
Instagram: heymannj
Facebook: John Heymann Photographer