Staff Report
Elverhøj Museum of History and Art is now displaying “Between Light & Dark,” a new art exhibition with black and white images by fine art photographer Paul Roark.
Roark is internationally known, not only for the artistic merit of his photography but also for the black and white digital printing processes he has developed.
Foxtail Pine
A significant part of Roark’s photographic journey has been pushing the envelope of black and white technology. He was taught the tools and traditions of photography from an early age, growing up in a home with a darkroom with an early education heavy in math, computer programming, and science.
He managed his professional career as an antitrust and consumer protection attorney to maximize time outside with a camera, refining his skills and building a library of images.
Opting for an early retirement, Roark switched his focus to photography full-time. He quickly became an innovator in digital black and white photography and was named one of three most influential pioneers in the genre.
He has developed his own inkset and printing process, achieving a saturation and tonality unique to his art.
“It was fortuitous that my photo career coincided with the transition from the old chemical processes to the digital realm,” Roark said. “I was well situated not only to understand but also to contribute to this transition. Pushing the envelope of the new digital tools and printing processes has been something that has been very enjoyable to me, and helpful to thousands of photographers around the world.”
Roark’s prints have been sold to collectors all over the world, including an entire small works show to a collector in Moscow. They can also be seen in select locations closer to home, including corporate headquarters and Cedars Sinai Hospital.
Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no charge for admission, but a $5 donation is requested.
For more information, phone the museum at 805-686-1211 or visit elverhoj.org.
