Spirit of Spring
Photography was just a hobby, but a very successful hobby, as John Cohen won the most important international awards and attracted the attention of Cecil Beaton C.B.E., Sir William Russell Flint R.A., Sir George F. Pollock Bt., M.A., and Lady Clementine Spencer Churchill amongst others.
'Painting with light' is all about photographing projected images that surprisingly are not often projected on to a screen. John discovered the projector really is a magical magic lantern! Computers and digital images were unknown at the time when some of his finest pictures were created (some of them nearly 50 years ago). Yet they have stood up to the test of time and are still considered exceptional, making quite a statement!
It was by chance, seeing an image projected, partly on the curtains and wallpaper that started this unique art form. By moving the projector and focusing on to other objects, noting how they distorted the image and influenced the texture and shape, led to the idea of photographing what could be seen. Then by adding more projectors he was also able to blend different images too and so ‘painting with light’ began. John's 'Painting With Light' is included in Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/
John started with an idea and experimented with various images, but he explained that sometimes something unforeseen happened, that sent him down a totally fresh route to create a very different picture than was originally planned, it is these ‘inspired accidents’ that have since turned out to be his very best works.
The London Salon Trophy
The first time this much coveted International artistic photography trophy had ever been awarded for a colour photograph was in 1967. Presented to John N. Cohen for his creation 'Spirit of Spring', he was also the youngest salon member ever to have received it. 'Spirit of Spring' was created by his own technique of 'painting with light' that enabled him to blend a portrait transparency with a negative of a tulip on the same emulsion. This technique simply involved photographing projected images that were not always projected on to a screen.
He subsequently had over 20 One-Man Exhibitions of his photographs (some were sponsored by Kodak) 2 held in New York, 4 in London, The Edinburgh Festival and many other UK & USA Cities.
He received favourable reviews and comments in 'The Times', 'Arts Review', many other newspapers and photographic magazines. See some of the Letters and press cuttings at: -
http://www.jncohen.net/
His original 'Painting With Light' pictures still intrigue and make quite a statement so now they are just becoming available for sale as limited editions.
http://www.jncohen.net/
"Indeed, since the photographic image is made by the action of light, truth to light is truth to the medium of photography!
John uses 'painting with light' (rather than computer manipulation)
http://www.jncohen.net/
FOR MUCH MORE INFORMATION:
John N. Cohen’s website
http://www.jncohen.net/
John N. Cohen’s contact details
http://www.jncohen.net/
Reviews and Exhibitions
http://www.jncohen.net/
Sir George Pollock Introduction
http://www.jncohen.net/
John N. Cohen’s pictures
http://www.jncohen.net/
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YouTube
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Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
