Much of my work focuses on the organic architecture of
Central Park – only one block from my office at St.
James’ Church in Manhattan. Indeed, I’m often amazed at
the church-like “structure” of many areas in the Park –
no doubt a conscious product of Olmstead’s long-term
vision for that space. Yet I’m also drawn to church
structures themselves, particularly the 17th and 18th
century Episcopal parishes near my childhood home in
Virginia’s Tidewater region. Fascinated by the
simplicity of these small churches, I typically focus on
the contrast between the brick, wood and glass – most of
it produced by slave labor – that define these historic
spaces. Finally, all my work is supported by my
background as a professional historian. Moreover, this
influence has even shaped the way I photograph – albeit
in rather eccentric fashion. All of my work is a
product of vintage cameras – from German-made Zeiss to
Russian and Czech-made models of the 1940s, 50s and 60s
– and all are metered with a 1950s-model Weston. This
usually forces me to slow down, focus on the “process”
of taking the photograph, while perhaps considering more
carefully the scene in front of me.
Brian E. Crowson, Ph.D.
Director of Communications, St. James’ Church
865 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10021
(212) 774-4244
Images:
|
1 |
2 |
3 | |
top of page
next