Lydia Shalanko – photography

May 17 – June 14

Sacred Grounds Cafe
233 N. Main St., Edwardsville, IL.
hours 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily

click here to view images…

Artist's Statement

In the summer of 2006 an old friend, with whom I was newly reacquainted gave me their old digital camera. It was a 3.5 MP Nikon camera with an annoying broken battery door which caused the camera to turn off unexpectedly, every few minutes. But I kept trying it, half out of obligation, half out of curiousity and fueled by that frustratingly sudden shut down. I found myself soon, and unexpectedly "surprised by joy " (to borrow from C.S. Lewis.)

It was clear to me as a child, that "there was a magic in the world" (my words) and I have always been drawn to ways to express that reality. Studying art was for me the closest field that encouraged pursuit of this understanding; but of the many artistic tools I have been trained to use, I have found the camera most natural to capture magic, which is inherently transient and sudden. A camera feels just like a butterfly net to me. Simple, if you want it to be.

I have very little technical knowledge about the camera and I don’t find myself rushing to gain that. It is enjoyable at this moment being what I call a “naïve” photographer, perhaps, befitting the fact that my favorite art has long been that which possesses a rougher, child-like quality. I am especially inspired by the primitive sculpture of ancient peoples, medieval art, Surrealism, Dadaism, Abstract Expressionism, and Folk and Outsider art.

A few favorite artists are: Diane Arbus, Frida Kahlo, John Soprych, and Martin Puryear.

Taking photos has become a way of life for me. I take my camera with me most places, and my daughters express surprise when I don't have it with me. At times I grow weary of this compulsion (and then I can only assume that the instant gratification of the digital camera feeds the obsessive nature of many hapless, creative people :) But it continually gives me joy, and it is almost certain that if the photo of the century passes before my eyes, I will at the least have gotten a bad shot in!

I dedicate this photo exhibit, with affection, to John Soprych. A friend, a favorite artist, a muse: John gave me that first camera before I even knew that I wanted one. Perhaps he saw right through me.

Lydia Shalanko
May 17, 2008

310 Hillsboro St., Edwardsville IL 62025 • 618.655.0337 • edwartscenter@att.net