The following appears in the November issue of the Sandoval Signpost:
DAVID CRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY MEMORIAL BENEFIT SHOW AT PLACITAS LIBRARY
—Avi Kriechman
The much-beloved nature photographer David Cramer died suddenly March 25, 2010. A selection o images printed, matted, framed, and signed by David will be on exhibit at the Placitas Community Library for the month of November. A special reception on Saturday, November 12 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. will be hosted by his life partner, Avi Kriechman. A limited number of prints matted and signed b David will also be available for purchase.
One hundred percent of proceeds will go to the Placitas Community Library.
Shortly before his death in March, 2010, David wrote:
The natural world is one of beauty, chaos, cruelty, survival, and joy. My photography attempts to capture some of these elusive moments for humans to experience. My ultimate goal is to share the rawness of nature with my viewers in a manner that stirs emotion and wonder.
David came into his own as a nature photographer of landscapes, birds, and—most especially—wil horses after he moved to Placitas with Avi in 2003. He quickly became a fixture of the Placitas Studi Tour and the Holiday Sale, winning numerous awards for his wildlife images, including top honors in international photography contest “All Things Horses” at the Center for Fine Arts Photography and at the Bosque del Apache “Festival of Cranes.” He was one of the founding members of Perspectives, photography collective, which curated the Picture Placitas celebration at the library after David’s dea in 2010 and will hold a joint show, including a selected image by David—early in 2012.
David was equally loved for his kindness and generosity toward all living things and his joy in connection. He was a member of the board of the Placitas Artists Series and a key contributor to wil horse organizations in New Mexico. David continues to “… give us more than we could know,” the s Avi wrote for David’s memorial service May, 2010.
The Placitas Library hopes you will take advantage of this rare opportunity to purchase one of Da images, and donate to the library, this holiday season. For further information, contact Sonya Cop at quincystreet@aol.com.
The inaugural July/August 2011 issue of “The Bosque Beast” features David’s “Tender Moments” image on the cover as well as a brief tribute on page 3. Many thanks to Keiko Ohnuma, Editor and Publisher, and Sergio Salvador, Art Director, for featuring David’s work.
Three of David’s books (Placitas: A Place for Horse; In the Land of Moons & Cranes; and David’s Photographic Portfolio) may be purchased at Blurb.com. Type David Cramer into the search function at the upper right hand corner of the home page.
The Spring Issue of Nature Photographer Magazine will feature a tribute to David including some of his wild horse images and David’s musings on nature photography. It’s a wonderful introduction to the man and his artistry.
The first showing of David’s work since his death will take place at Las Placitas Presbyterian Church, Placitas, New Mexico on Sunday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m. 100% of the proceeds will go the The Placitas Artists Series.
Future shows of David’s remarkable images will be announced here with all proceeds going to charities David supported.
I hope to see you there.
Avi Kriechman, M.D.
Artist’s Statement – David W. Cramer
Nature photography has a hold on me. It is a thing that grabs deep inside, and wraps itself around my bones. It mingles and blends itself with my love of the natural world in a way that makes it impossible to shake. It also directs me outward. Outward into this natural world, where I have little, if any, control over what the forces will do. My desire to photograph is rooted in curiosity, and in wonder, and in awe about the immensity of life and creation. While we go about our daily lives, billions upon billions of events are unfolding each and every day in the natural world. Each one of these is a marvel. Each one only exists once, momentarily, and then is gone forever. I convince myself that photography gives me a means of trying to have some sway over these events, these experiences that exist on their own. Perhaps if I can capture that elusive moment, it will become timeless. In a way, they do. I remember countless numbers of my photographic endeavors as one would remember an entry in a diary. Looking at an image taken long ago, I can often recall many details about the day, the setting, my frame of mind, the quality of light. I think that photography helps me feel a part of these experiences, at the same time it helps me believe I have some control over them. A false belief for sure, but one that enables me to keep going each time with camera in hand, to record the next moment that will never be experienced again.
… can still be a great place for bird photography.
While visiting North Carolina, we stopped by this wonderful center that provides a great home for wild animals rescued from life-threatening and abusive situations. Many of the animals would not be with us without this resource. Their pens are expansive, and the staff employs an active stimulation program to keep the animals from developing the boredom and restlessness often found in zoos. Support them if you can, and be sure to arrange a visit with them when you are in North Carolina.
