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“As is often the case, talented people frequently excel in more than one arena,” says Swanda. “Ben Solowey is a most notable example of this phenomenon. His reputation as an outstanding artist, portrait painter and sculptor are nationally known. However, his talents do not end there. He was also a skilled furniture and frame maker, gardener and, yes, a photographer.” Ben Solowey (1900–1978) shot and developed more than 700 photographs over the period of 1924 to 1944. These images were not used as visual reference for his easel paintings, but represent a previously unexplored part of his oeuvre.
“His photographs caught my attention immediately. The images are wonderful on their own merit, but I was equally drawn to the element of surprise and insight in this work,” explains Swanda. “Solowey’s eye toward composition and light is readily apparent in the photos, but so is his curiosity and determination to master a new medium. He meticulously recorded the aperture settings, light sources, and atmospheric conditions for most shots, to continually perfect his craft. That’s why the thought of presenting a photography exhibit of a revered 20th century Bucks County oil painter grabbed my interest. Who knew?! Well, we did.”
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“The relatively small size of these contact print images—which Ben developed and printed himself—request the viewer to intimately examine their content. And, that appeals to me. I love making people stop; making them take a second, more attentive look at things that surround them. I love to have an element of surprise for the viewer. Make it memorable, fascinating, enlightening.”
In conjunction with SOMETHING DIFFERENT, acclaimed photographer, David Graham is creating silver gelatin prints from the original Ben Solowey negatives. These images will be available by special order at the Studio.
“With our Second Studio devoted to more than 70 of Ben’s photographs,” says David Leopold, Director of The Studio of Ben Solowey, “Ben’s main studio will feature a new installation of Solowey paintings, drawings, and sculpture, and as usual it will showcase his versatility in wide range of media and genres. It will include old favorites as well as works never exhibited before.”
All will be shown in Solowey’s handcrafted studio. “You understand why Ben gave up the great life he had in New York in the theater and exhibiting his canvases at the top museums and galleries,” explains Leopold. “He created a virtual paradise here and his studio still maintains the atmosphere of the artist at work.” The studio, and the 34-acre property it sits on, were developed and landscaped by Solowey after he and Rae left New York in 1942. The Studio has been featured in Architectural Digest, Pennsylvania Heritage, and Bucks County Town and Country Living.
“In honor of our opening on September 30th we will continue our tradition of serving homemade refreshments in the Solowey home, “ says Leopold. “The two hundred-year-old farmhouse was restored by Ben and is filled with museum quality furniture handcrafted by him. We only open the house twice a year, so this truly is a special event. Also on September 30th only we are waiving our $5 admission fee.”
Regular admission through October 22nd to SOMETHING DIFFERENT: Photographs by Ben Solowey 1924 - 1944 is $5. Hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. The Studio of Ben Solowey is located at 3551 Olde Bedminster Road in Bedminster, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. For more information on SOMETHING DIFFERENT: Photographs by Ben Solowey 1924 - 1944 or directions, contact The Studio of Ben Solowey at 215-795-0228.
© 2006 The Ben Solowey Collection. All Rights Reserved.