Special thanks to Polaroid and John Reuter....

Robert and DJ, 20x24 chocolate Polaroid.






I realized last night as I was sorting and cleaning the last of my Type 55 negatives that I have been remiss in thanking a great friend and supporter of my professional work and personal fine art, John Reuter from Polaroid.

I met John several years ago in Santa Fe, New Mexico at a workshop he was teaching on the world famous 20x24 Polaroid Studio Camera which he runs and operates out of Manhattan, New York. I was his wide-eyed and overly eager Studio Manager, he the nimble and quick witted Instructor. Needless to say, the workshop was a bit of a disaster due to shipping issues, but John kept a stiff upper lip and handled himself like a champ. He and I have managed to remain good friends, and revel in the story every time we meet, cause it’s a good one!

John not only runs the Polaroid 20x24 Studio in NY, but he is also an accomplished artist as well. His works are ethereal and often cerebral, encompassing several mediums and technologies from computer printing to 20x24 Polaroid Transfers with pastels painted over top. His work is always creative and inspiring, but with a firm footing in Fine Art.

John has been an appreciator of my work, as well as a supporter. He, and the Polaroid Corporation donated the Type 55 and Type 59 film that I needed for this trip to Turkey. If it had not been for John and Polaroid, I would have had to shell out even more money to create the portraits I has focused on creating.

It is sad to witness the difficulties Polaroid is enduring these few years in the wake of the Digital Age. In contrast, I would like to say that it is rare, and inspiring to see that there are still individuals and corporations that take an interest and initiative to back even small artists like myself. Cheers to you John, and Polaroid, I wish you both the best, and many thanks.

Please take a moment and check out Polaroid's web site which is chock full of great art and ideas, as well as John’s own web site that features his personal photographic and painting work.

http://www.polaroid.com
http://www.johnreuter.com