Jack Heller - Maker Monday September 2022

Jack Heller

White House

​Jack Heller is a relatively new member to the SCAA, and one who we are happy to have exhibiting work. Active in several art institutions in the area, Jack has been showing his photographs here for a couple of years now. 

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Avon Lake

​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.

Portsmouth Abbey

Goat Island Fog

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​What inspires you to create?

I am inspired by the world around me. I have found that since I began creating artistic photographs, I see the world in a different light. I now notice the aspects of the world that create a favorable ambiance and moodiness. 

Blast Off

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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. 

Providence Grace

​Tell us a joke.

​Learn More about Jack Heller
Instagram @jheller48.