Jon Chodat

Photographs on Display

 

            A special exhibit by local photographer Jon Chodat will be opening Friday, March 2 at forARTSake in Malone, NY .  “An Eclectic View “ is a retrospective collection of Chodat’s photographs, created over a span of a lifetime.  The images in the show range from his first photographs taken as a young boy to his digital images of today.  The show can be viewed during store hours, 10-5 pm, Tues. – Fri., and 10-4 pm on Sat.  forARTSake is located next to the bridge in downtown Malone.

             Chodat has been involved in photography in one way or another most of his life.  His family was always taking pictures and movies.  His first camera was a Brownie Hawkeye.  During his high school years he was president of his school’s camera club.  This was where he first started being recognized as having a special talent for photography.

             “Photography has always been part of my life, but it wasn’t until about 25 years ago that I started to become more serious in the study of techniques, theories and the science behind photography and the camera,” says Chodat.  He has explored a variety of avenues such as portraiture, wedding, nature, scenes, macro and more.  Chodat is primarily self-taught and continues to learn and experience photography into the digital age.

             The darkroom was once an essential element of the photographic process.  With the advent of digital photography, especially in the area of color, the photographer has much more control over the image. Chodat feels that “the ease and accessibility of the computer and the quality of today’s digital cameras has changed how the photographer creates his final image.” 

            Photography has made Chodat more aware of the world around him.  It enables him to look at the big picture as well as smaller details. By standing on a mountain top or crawling around on a forest floor, he has learned to appreciate the simplicity and complexities of life.  Chodat feels that taking a photograph is “capturing a slice of an ongoing story.  Whether it is the smile of a child, the mist on a lake or the flight of a bird, it is a moment which has a past and a future and it tells a story.  I hope that the viewer can appreciate and take with them a unique view of the story found in my photographs.”

             Over the years, Chodat has entered a number of regional shows and has received several awards.  His most recent award was Best in Photography at the VIC Center’s exhibit entitled “Flight.” “Canadian Trio” was the name of his winning entry and a print of this popular image will be available at his upcoming exhibit.

             As Chodat moves closer to retirement, he plans on immersing himself fully in the art of photography.  His future plans include developing a studio and gallery on his Adirondack mountain site property.  This indoor and outdoor space will be available for wedding & portraiture photo sessions as well as future workshops. 

             The opening reception for “An Eclectic View” is 6 -8 pm on Fri., Mar. 2^nd at forARTSake.  The public is invited to visit the gallery and view and/or purchase Chodat’s photographs.  The artist will be available to answer any questions about his work.  The show will remain hung until Sat., Mar. 24^th.