Darrell Roak
Solitude
I truly enjoy what I call, “the Hunt for the Elusive Magical Image”. I find it difficult to define that image, but I’m always aware of a comment from a photography friend. “Why do I have to define it, it should be enough that I find beauty in it myself.” Even with that thought in my mind, I like to try to define my photographs.
When I photograph, I grab my gear and head toward a predetermined destination with a plan for the day. History has proven that normally I neither arrive at my destination nor stick to my plan. I react to the conditions I find myself in. I look for strong affects from the surrounding light. I always work with light sources as I find them; the sun, moon, stars, street lights… My photographs represent simple presentations of isolated and possible forgotten places where one might spend a private moment of solitude.
Sharing my “Solitude” project allows you to enter a simple world, which I truly enjoy. I have found spots that have seemingly been forgotten and neglected by today’s fast paced society. These spots draw me to them because of the solitude they allow me. In my solitude, I am able to reflect on simpler times shared with my loved ones.
It is my pleasure to share these “Elusive Magical Images” with you.
Artist Bio
Darrell Roak makes his home close to where he grew up in central Maine. Professionally, he is a manufacturing engineer. As with his engineering projects, Roak composes his photographs with simplicity in mind. Using long exposure techniques, his black and white photographs demonstrate his love for soft focus.
Roak started his photographic journey in 2010 when he attended his first workshop at Maine Media College. Since then he has drawn wisdom and inspiration from photographers such as Stephen Johnson and Tillman Crane.
Roak’s photographs of landscapes and historical archives have been shown at The Carnage Visual Arts Center in Decatur, AL, The Griffin Museum of Photography on Winchester, MA and The Photo Place Gallery in Middlebury, VT. His photographs also hang in private collections across The United States.
Contact Darrell Roak