Smoky Mountain Landscapes by Rosemary Polletta

Nov 12, 2023 - Dec 8, 2023 | Themes: Nature, Abstract

Rosemary Polletta creates a theme-based exhibit that gifts much to the viewer. Her 23 artwork convey a powerful feeling.

“Rosemary has honed a unique approach and style through the years … her feelings run deep and she successfully converts this energy into her artwork.”                                                      
                                                                                                                        Robert Floyd

Even though I had been fascinated with photography for several years, it was at the urging of a very dear relative in 2009, after my Mom died, that prompted me to spend more time on my ‘hobby’.  I purchased my first digital camera.  That was also the time that I met Robert Floyd. I signed up for his digital DSLR Beginner’s course at the MA Audubon Wildlife Center in Easthampton. This was also when another friend encouraged me to join the Springfield Photographic Society. It was then, with my involvement in both these enterprises, that I became more focused on capturing & creating photographs.   But it was really after experiencing the death of my husband that I found that I was drawn to using my camera to capture images that I felt expressed my feelings of loss and grief. ''

And so, I can identify with a quote from Todd Hido, “When you’ve had a bad experience, you sometimes feel compelled to recreate it in a way that allows you to control it”. I began to use photography as my emotional outlet, using it as a form of expression and creativity. Making photos has not only allowed me to express my feelings through the flowers, landscapes, or scenes that I’ve captured, representing for me a time passed, life or beauty spent but also share my view of that subject or scene that may be a bit unique or different from the routine. Dorothea Lange said, “Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still”.

At the same time, I have admired the work of some of the ‘old masters’ in photography.  Those who were able to infuse mood and emotion into their images, while at the same time keeping their compositions simple.  I often attempt to emulate that feeling/approach when processing some of my images.  It is the mood of the image that initially resonated with me that I hope translates to the viewer. Photography will always be a ‘work in progress’, sometimes having to work more diligently at it than at other times.  It remains a pleasure that reaps the rewards.  What adds to my satisfaction is seeing the reaction one of my images may have on others.  That they are touched by the images I create is truly rewarding.