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'Arcade' is one of the images 'Teton Barns, Grand Teton National Park, Wyo.' is one of photographer Christopher Rok's earlier works of western landscapes. |
by Lauren Orsini
Downtown Fredericksburg has retained an air of historic charm despite the passing of time. Local photographer Christopher Rok thinks it just might be one of the most historic towns in the country.
"I considered the history of downtown and how it's related to the history of the country," said Rok. "My shot of Caroline Street could be a picture of any small-town street in America. I shot Carl's and Goolrick's, which date back to the [1950s], and church steeples, which date back to the Civil War.
"It's all tied together," he observed.
The common bond of history is what ties Rok's selected photos together at his solo show, "Perspectives," at Kybecca Wine Bar and Shop. The exhibit's opening Monday attracted a crowd that ranged from young professionals to older art lovers. The setting, relaxed by wine and dim lighting, prompted quiet conversation as visitors took in the artwork.
Rok's black-and-white shot of the famous Carl's ice cream stand on Princess Anne Street, titled "Carl's," is devoid of people, and exudes a timeless quality--as if it could have been shot in a bygone era.
His shot underneath the downtown train station, simply titled "Arcade," evokes the ruins of ancient Greece.
Also on display are several of Rok's earlier shots of western landscapes. "Teton Barn" depicts a homestead in Wyoming with clouds that appear to be moving rapidly overhead. As in his collection of downtown Fredericksburg shots, there are no modern clues to place the era of the photo.
Rok's interest in photography dates back several decades. The self-taught photographer began taking pictures in high school. When he got married and started a family, he took a break from photography.
But with retirement looming, he decided to return to his favorite pursuit.
"I'm an engineer by trade, but retirement's about eight years away. I'll need to do something and it'd be best to do something I enjoy," he said.
Rok has been shooting downtown Fredericksburg for the past seven years. He's a member of the Fredericksburg Center for Creative Arts.
He started his own photography company about four years ago and now shoots photos as a side job.
Rok cites his wife, Ruzena Rok, as his business partner.
"My wife is my publicity representative and business manager, as well as a published poet. We've also collaborated on a couple things," he said.
Their most recent collaboration took place a year ago at Shenandoah Arts Center.
"He did black-and-white photography and I wrote poetry to go with the images. We'd like to collaborate more, but putting together pictures and work that go on the same theme can be difficult," said Ruzena Rok.
Lauren Orsini: 540/374-5000
Email: lorsini@freelancestar.com
| What: "Perspectives," a photography exhibit Where: Kybecca Wine Bar and Shop, 400 William St., Fredericksburg When: Through Feb. 28. Info: 540/373-3338 or christopherrok.com |
