As a suggestion from a Photography Agent, I am starting a new blog series named Influencers-the people who have influenced me in my career and as an artist. The first person on that list is my mentor, former teacher and friend Jerry Vezzuzo. Jerry is a master photography printer who created prints for many famous photographers. He teaches photography related classes at the International Center of Photography, School of Visual Arts and Teacher's College at Columbia University. He draws, create videos, paints and produces art prints with the print making process with woodcuts and silk screening. You can view some of his art work on his website: www.jerryvezzuso.net.
I met Jerry many years ago, at ICP (International Center of Photography) when ICP was located on the upper east side of New York City. Since the first day of meeting him, Jerry and I became fast friends. We had a similar sense of humor, loved old movies and loved creating art work of different genres. We both had a strong family upbringing with Italian-American tendacies. Laughter, sarcasm, respectful and encouraging are just a few adjectives I would describe our relationship. We have gone on art walks, had meals together and supported each other as artists and individuals. It was my pleasure and honor that he sat down with me in the sculpture garden at Museum of Modern Art on a balmy November 2017 evening.
Me: There is a huge body of your work that is family centered. Was that a conscientious choice or something that evolved?
Jerry: Yes. My work is family centric. It was not conscious at first. I got my first camera in 1968. I was photographing work beyond the super visual. My first job at LaMama, an avande garde theater in the East Village, I came out of my social closet. The personal at La Mama approved of my photography work. And I learned that doing work (photography) does not always mean it has value. I worked at La Mama for 8 years. Then I started to photograph my family on a regular basis. I remember 1993-Christmas time as a pivotal point in this body of work. My father was waning, physically. I wanted to capture those every present moments I had left with him.
After 9/11, my subject changed. Those intense moments I wanted to capture came from visitors who walked upon the wooden platform that over looked ground zero. At first I photographed everything and everyone and saw I was not focused on anything. But I watched hundreds of participants walk up and down these wooden stairs, watched their reactions and listened in on their conversations. I turned my lens towards these visitors, tourists and family members. This is my best project that reveals trust like a family would.
Me: You traveled to Mexico.Why Mexico?
Jerry: In 2006, I traveled to Mexico City. I had heard how great it was. I created a body of work of street photography there, which lasted for two years. I also began creating cyanotypes in my bathroom!
Me: You have went back to drawing.
Jerry: Yes. In 2012, I started drawing again. My series Venti, was completely drawn in a Starbucks. That series was published in the publication, Dear Dave.
Me: Who are your Influencers?
Jerry: W. Eugene Smith. photographer. He was a wonderful black and white printer. His work had a simplicity that was curious, lovely and profound. Edgar Dega, the french painter. He paintings had movement, romanticism and subjects you did not regularly see. Paul Cezanne is another important painter for me.
Me: How long have you been teaching?
Jerry: 25 years! I have noticed of late that the age difference between me and my students are further apart than ever.
Me: How would you describe yourself?
Jerry: I am an artist! An artist that makes art. I have a gallery now. I always wanted to be a musician and perform at the Met Opera!
Me: What advice do you give your students, current or former?
Jerry: Have patience. Give yourself a decade to build a solid body of work. You can not measure success by reviews-your success should be measured by your work! Enjoy making art, photography, whatever art you love. Do it for the satisfaction of it, for the love of it. It gives you life.
