​Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?
I attended a photo lecture at the Newport Art Museum and the presentation included work by Minor White. One of the photos that was discussed was his infrared film photograph “Road with Poplar Trees” created in 1955. When I saw the photograph, I remembered that I had developed a few rolls of infrared film while attending classes at CCRI and I had thought that it was so mystical and otherworldly looking! I knew at that moment that I wanted to explore the digital form of infrared photography. The Minor White quote that resonates the most with me is “one does not photograph something simply for what it is, but for what else it is”. ​

​As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?

Oh, my goodness, everything! My father, William O’Connor, was a member for a very long time. He took classes, participated in the shows, and went to the events. He seemed to enjoy himself so much that I knew that this place was great! When it came time for me to bravely present my photography to the world for the first time, I choose a SCAA juried show. I got in! But I knew that either way I would be treated with respect and kindness.  
-Open to new ideas. I am an Argentine Tango dancer and I asked if it was possible to have a dance there and well yes, they tried it!
-Beautifully displayed exhibits.
-Tons of classes
-Accepting and welcoming staff and volunteers.
-Support for the local art community.

​Where are you from, and what do you make?

My name is Jack Heller and I live in Newport, RI, with my wife Elaine. I have been an exhibiting member of SCAA for two years. I use digital photography to create fine art photographic prints. I have had my photographs accepted into juried exhibitions at the South County Art Association, Wickford Art Association, Warwick Center for the Arts, and Griffin Museum of Photography; winning an Honorable Mention. I am the treasurer of the Newport Photographers Guild.

​How long have you been seriously pursuing art?

I have been taking photographs most of my adult life but did not pursue creating photographic art until retirement. I have seriously been pursuing art for about four years. For the last two years I have also been engaged in a long term art project of photographing the interior of Cathedrals, Churches and Chapels.

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​Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?

I have been influenced by the paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe. Her Santa Fe and New Mexico landscape paintings influenced me to focus on landscape photography in both color and black & white mediums. Her paintings illustrated to me, that fine art photography can create a mood and sense of place that triggers familiarity and sensory memory.
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​Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?

“Pine Tree Study", by Michael Kenna has significantly influenced my work. He uses simplicity in composition, without extraneous objects, to focus and highlight a subject to create a universally understood image. His use of black & white to create monochromatic landscapes is striking without the need for color.

As a member of the SCAA, what do you like most about us?

I enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to enter my work into member and juried exhibitions. The exhibitions allow me to evaluate my work and view the work of other artists. In addition, I enjoy the photography classes and workshops.