University of Maine at Presque Isle alumnus and photographer Jason Grass will present his latest book Living in Color, Dreaming in Black and White during a book signing event on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Owl’s Nest, located in the University’s Campus Center.
Breaking out of his comfort zone – working in a black and white medium – served as the inspiration for this new book of photography. In his 175-page book, Grass explores color in simple materials such as chalk, lemons, and practice golf balls, while pairing them against sparse black and white backgrounds. For example, in one of his photos, the black and white image of a woman holding a piece of fruit is juxtaposed against the vibrant yellow, nearly orange color of the lemon in her hand.
“For the past eleven years, my art has been mainly in black and white,” Grass said. “I was not very comfortable with very much color. This book is a journey of self-exploration of my breaking out of my comfort zone of just black and white and heading into a new horizon of color.”
Grass graduated from the University in May 2009 with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree. He also attended the New York Institute of Photography. He now teaches photography privately and also for the Fort Fairfield Adult Education program. The way he views the world through his camera lens has attracted many fans around the world, especially in this day and age of social media.
Grass began his journey as an artist 11 years ago in a most unconventional way – after he received his training as a private investigator and started taking photos, he discovered how much he enjoyed the medium. He decided then to use photography as his voice for subjects that he felt rather strongly about.
“To most people color is a daily reality; for me, I spent my life in black and white,” Grass said. “What was a common thing for everyone else was something that was very scary to me. I hope you will come and partake in my adventure with me.”
The public is invited to attend the Sept. 21 book signing. For more information, contact Jessica Chase Smith atjessica.chase.smith@gmail.com or 551-2371.
