Topic: That Mister Rocky Schenck

[Ed Wenn]

I am ambivalent towards the work of Rocky Schenck. On one hand he produces some truly mesmerizing images and has been a big inspiration to Susan B - who in turn has been a big inspiration to me * - so he has his good points and is clearly an incredibly accomplished photographer, but on the minus side I don't always like what I see and when I don't like what I see, I really don't like what I see. I just think, "How could the person who produced this also produce this?" Anyway, enough of my rambling.

I came across this gallery of Schenckers (many of which I'd not see bfore) and was in turns captivated and underwhelmed as usual - although it has to be said, there are far more of the former and not too many of the latter.

http://www.paulkopeikingallery.com/artists/schenck/index.htm

Here are two that I love:

 

and here are two that I just don't get:

[beck]

His work is certainly inspirational to myself and most. After looking at each image there on that gallery, and especially with the first and second frame in your post...it sort of looks as if he adds cutouts of individuals placed here and there. I'm probably wrong, maybe not, but it appears he is either that lucky...or that crafty. They don't look as natural as some of his other subjects in his other work. Do you suppose? I actually like the third frame best.

Sometimes when I see his work, it makes me want to chuck all my cameras...or to make me pick up one even more. Someday I'd like to devote time and energy to an entire series with that style. Things always seem to look better in the dark...

[Susan B.]

Shucks, thanks Ed.

To really appreciate a Schenck you have to see them in person. His printing is stunning.

In regards to the first two selected---love those. I've seen them at Paul Kopekin gallery several times.

And for the second two...I guess we are all entitled to some that leave others scratching their heads?
Hope so, since I certainly have my share of head scratchers!

[Francois]

First time I see this and I don't quite know what to make of it...
Yes, in the first one, they seem like cutout people (look at the posture of the second one on the left)... or it could be a picture of a painting or watercolor... doesn't look "photographic" to me... even if it is on photo paper...

Though it looks like a nice selective toning job...

[beck]

Please, let it be known, when I mentioned the possibility of Mr. Schenck creating works of art via the darkroom, cutouts, etc., I didn't mean any offense whatsoever...and I hope Ed and the rest of you didn't either. My apologies if any did...and if I killed any conversation...well, what else is new.

With that said, I was told numerous times as a youngster to never play with matches....and what did I go and do? Played with matches and nearly burned down the neighbors garage.

Here's my homage to Rocky...Winter's Solstice.

[gary m]

I have Rockys book titled Photographs thanks to a tip from Susan. One of my faves, love it!

[Ed Wenn]

Hey Beck, no worries re killing the conversation; you didn't as far as I'm concerned. I just haven't had time to get back on here to join in. Personally I'll reserve judgement on the conveniently placed stick figures until I see one of Herr Schenck's prints in the flesh (so to speak). It's worth pointing out that a lot of his shots don't have people in them at all (incl one that's probably my fave which is the flowers shot on the front cover of his book) so even if he does draw them in somehow, it's not the only trick in his locker.

Apparently he does a lot of work in the darkroom to get the prints to look like he wants and even from the small versions I've seen online and in the book I have, there's clearly a lot of manipulation of some sort going on...I just wish I knew what   

Anyway, seeing this web gallery inspired me to head out into the garden this weekend with two new cameras and some blurry lenses to try and get some magic onto film; rain-drenched, purple clematis flowers just crying out to be photographed. Thanks Rocky!

[Skorj]

I'm with you Ed. I like the two you do like, probably for other reasons - the stick figures whose selective edging I enjoy regardless how they are effected - being one.

As for the other two, the face is a must have photograph - gee, I must photograph this, it must be interesting - I suspect. The other, while I like negative space, and no rules work, does not click with me.

Beck's first toned piece I also like for some obtuse reason. The goth-horror element, the unusual color. Regardless, it makes me think. Skj.

[beck]

When I took that series of shots last summer...using the Great Wall and homemade lens job...I ran some 160NC thru it and used a red filter on top of that with some frames...and as a result...kapow with negatives and scanning...but with a little bit of patience, I was able to make something from nothing and my pal David turned some of them into a work of art as seen in a previous post. Nothing goes to waste in my house...