Surekha Vijh, who was once a journalist in India, says, “I see a beautiful scene and spontaneously try to capture the image with my camera. It is almost like talking to whatever I see”
By Larry Rinaldo
WASHINGTON: Surekha Vijh, featured in the monthly artist program in suburban Washington as a photographer and poet, received rave reviews in her debut photo exhibit in Falls church, Virginia
Taken in the last couple of years, Surekha’s artistic photos portrayed natural scenes. Touching both mother nature and the human side, a beautiful photo of male and female with cherry blossoms, geese with their chicks and a magnificent regal peacock, which is not an American bird, but it was a sight to see in the photo taken in New Vrindavan, West Virginia. With his beautiful beak, regal head gear and majestic wings spread across like a canvass of colors. The ‘tree of life’ and ‘canyon’ taken in upstate New York and the reflection of Krishna’s swan boat in New Vrindvan, showed a different perspective.
“The photographs are unique and lively; nature captured at its best,” commented Shiva.
A standing-room-only crowd assembled to view the mounted photographs and hear from the two featured photographers. The local artists were there to explain their work. And, not to be overlooked, the gathering mingled and enjoyed snacks and beverages.
Surekha Vijh and Don Rothacker, two selected artists of the month, presented their stunning photography at Art and Frame in Northern Virginia. Sixteen photographs depicted American landscapes, as seen from the piers, into the ocean, some painted with orange sky.
Surekha’s six unusual photographs were among other things, delivered a beautiful message across about nature’s celebration and dance. She also recited a few of her poems from her recent poetry book, “A Leap into Water” to an enthusiastic art loving crowd.
The poems were reflective and projected some of the truths of life. From one hundred-some-odd poems, the titles read were, “The bell”, “A dance of creation”, “Will you come down?”, “Memories” and “Inclination”.
“I see a beautiful scene and spontaneously try to capture the image with my camera. It is almost like talking to whatever I see,” remarked Surekha, an Indian-born journalist and poet. “Photography for me is to capture the moment for posterity.”
There were ten photographs by Don Rothacker, of panoramic views of Florida bridges and waterways. The photos, taken over the last few decades, were shot in Tampa, Florida when on holiday trips with his wife. He was so inspired by the sunset view from the pier and he had to capture it on film with reflections in water.
Don’s photo exhibit was titled “Lover’s Key”; although, there are no photo’s of any lovers or keys in the exhibit. Lover’s Key is a small island off the Southwest coast of Florida (Fort Myers/Naples area); situated in the Gulf of Mexico among a string of other islands or keys. Originally, this key was isolated and could only be reached by boat. Hence, rumors arose, that lovers sought it because of its seclusion; thus, the nickname: “Lover’s Key”.
“The most dramatic lighting conditions usually occur from sunrise to mid-morning and late afternoon to sunset. Most of my photos are about dramatic lighting conditions of seascapes. Most of the photos were taken around sunset time; simply because, I have difficulty getting up for the sunrises,” Don, a former engineer explained.
“I was fascinated by a group of photos of a north Florida beach showing sky, sand and jutting piers, at dawn and dusk. Then there was one romantic scene of just one arm each of a man and woman clasped and resting on the ground covered in depth with what must have been at least twenty pounds of just fallen, pink cherry blossoms,’ said Howard Tobias, one of the attendees.
“The highlight for me was a poetry reading by the author. Her intonation, phrasing and emphasis enriched the experience for me and, judging by their smiles, for many others. I look forward with anticipation for next month’s art event.” Howard added.
“Another intriguing photo idea was a picture of sunset accompanied by another of Surekha’s poems “A Vista”, which enhanced the thought and the mood.” said another attendee Christel Hignett.
Interestingly, the organizers also wheeled over some vintage autos showing design changes from years gone by.
The event was held at the Art and Frame studio on Park Avenue in Falls Church. Owner Tom Gittins has kept the tradition of displaying art work by artists, whether they are painters, photographers or sculptors. First Friday kept this tradition in Falls Church with a live band, vintage vehicles exhibited in the parking lot. Falls Church stands for the love of Art. Gittins, is a co-founder and supporter of First Friday. No wonder the walls of the Art and Frame shop were alive with vibrant photographs. This photo exhibit, live music and a vintage car display brought many locals visitors including neighboring towns to celebrate, the outdoor and indoor art and music, just before the end of summer and the beginning of fall season.
