Artist Statement

Alan’s life and work embody Buddhist sensibilities. Here is a quote he shared from The Evening Gatha, chanted in Zen Monasteries at days end.

”Let me respectfully remind you,
Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. . . . . . awaken! Take heed. Do not squander your life.”

About his photography, Alan states: “I am drawn to both abstract graphic strengths and subtleties which reveal the ineffable. For me, what all good art does is to help move the viewer towards this seeing and hearing and sensing. Photography has helped me to uncover this intimate way of seeing what is right there - to really look carefully and then do so through a lens and with photographic intention. Since I began taking photography more seriously in the past ten years, this seeing has evolved and continues to finds its own way. Images that I may initially write off often reveal new vitality and interest over time. Everything changes.” The artist has been coming to his weekend home in Hawley, Pennsylvania from Manhattan for just over twenty years with his life mate, Tom Colbert, an established fine art painter who has also shown here at the Lodge. Alan continues to work as a semi-retired private chef/caterer and is active in designing and lighting for local theater and in historical renovation.