Abandoning Phantoms with Flair

The Gallery at Local Flair in Mountainhome, PA held a Pre Halloween Party and Artists’ Reception featuring the works of Sue Tatterson in an exhibition titled, “Spirits of the Abandoned” and Shane Izykowski in an exhibition titled, “Phantasmatography” on Saturday October 22nd. Numerous aficionados of the magazine gathered in the small but elegant gallery to partake of an enjoyably spooky evening out. They were met with imagery ranging from deeply haunting structural apparitions allowing reflections of a bygone era to depictions inspiring blood curdling terror to be experienced in the dreams of those who find it possible to sleep after cautiously laying their head upon their pillows.

The photographic work of Sue Tatterson depicts the ruins of the now dilapidated The Inn at Buck Hill Falls which opened in 1901 and ceased operations in 1991. During its tenure, the Inn became known for its elegant beauty and grandeur while reflecting their humble geographical surrounding by maintaining a rustic flavor throughout its dwellings. This could be seen clearly in the beautifully haunting images captured by Ms. Tatterson.

There were several attendees of the reception who have visited the Inn throughout its illustrious history. They presented a countenance while viewing the images suggesting they were once again walking along its corridors and resting upon its many alcoves. One could not help but to be touched by these silent remembrances while marveling at the photographic skills that inspired them.

Upon Ms. Tatterson’s website, she writes “We live in a constant cycle of abandonment and renewal, discarding the old for the new as we strive to build bigger and better facilities - erasing the past in our process.” While this is certainly true of the man made structures such as The Inn at Buck Hill Falls serves as an example, one can easily expand the theme to envelop the human condition as well. After all, the reason one is touched by the images depicted in Ms. Tatterson’s work is derived from the many times we have felt it necessary to discard aspects of ourselves in order to make room for a new perspective of how to continue living it.

Sometimes we find the act of removing these traits from our spiritual makeup to be a liberating one allowing us to live a more enhanced life freed of the chains keeping us from moving forward. Yet, there are times we wonder if what we’ve given up was worth the endeavor as we begin to feel there is something missing which wasn’t the case before. We become haunted by ghosts we may never be able to make contact with again and yearn to hear their wise council as we face the challenges their absence creates. And, our regret is compounded when we recall how cavalierly we cast them out.

This cavalier approach is often associated with property owners who have no sense or regard to the intrinsic value of what they see as unprofitable. They replace buildings with soulful histories which touched the lives of many with structures which have the sense of being a hollow echo inadequately replacing what had stood in their place. Many developers declare their love for the community as they present plans to improve the area by demolishing meaningful parts of it. But, it’s not difficult to decipher their proposals as means to make a profit regardless of what is right for the community.

It is said, “When the power of love becomes greater then the love of power (which includes an unconscionable desire to accumulate large amounts of money), the world would be a better place.” Perhaps if such developers would consider how the love their “unprofitable” acquisitions have empowered those with their beauty, they may find replacing it for the sole purpose of increasing there income is not as a worthwhile endeavor as their business plan suggests. Such considerations may not only make the community they claim to serve a better place, but the world as well. And, if we apply such considerations (on a more spiritual level) to the changes we contemplate as we develop ourselves, we may become a better world as well.

The photographic work of Shane Izykowski depicts unfathomable horrors made popular by the film genre along the fiction and video games associated with it. Yet, Mr. Izykowski’s work goes beyond the contrivances of the medium as the images he captures travels deeper into the human psyche. The viewer of his work knows intellectually Mr. Izykowski had created the images through the use of models, makeup, and set designs. However, each image gives each viewer the unnerving certainty these photographs are of their deeply concealed terrors which were taken clandestinely without their conscious knowledge. As a matter of fact, these images may have been captures without our sub conscious knowledge as well; as impossible as it sounds.

Although the images Mr. Izykowski are clear and concise in their uncanny composition, they remain difficult to describe through the usage of words. How can one describe the unfathomable dimensions of a dream? And, how much more daunting the endeavor would be when, in the process of doing so, one would encounter their own terror which has been high on their list to avoid since the age of three? I choose not to release such daemons by opening the doors one much in order to explore Mr. Izykowski’s work in depth as such avenues to the mind are best left alone.

However, I can tell you the quality inherent in his photographic approach is par excellence and perfect for the subjects he presents. Perhaps there are those of you reading this who may be more apt to disregard your cautious nature more than I am to share your unshielded perceptions of Mr. Izykowski’s work as displayed in The Gallery at Local Flair. I invite you to do so as the Exhibition Continues Until October 31st. You’ll find more photographs taken during the reception in The Visual Arts 2011 Gallery Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150316388700421.390846.636000420&type=1&l=559eabb691.

The Gallery at Local Flair is an extension of Local Flair Magazine which was first published in 2005 celebrating excellence in every aspect of the communities located through the Pocono Area in Northeast PA while striving to maintain the highest quality publication possible. The magazine has earned a reputation for being an informative guide to what is truly beautiful and life enhancing with a savvy, creative edge offering a refreshing view of the Poconos. Local Flair Magazine is published bimonthly and is available to be read free of charge at numerous distribution sites. Please Explore The Gallery at Local Flair Website at www.localflairgallery.com to learn more about the gallery and www.flairmag.com to learn more about the magazine.