Image of the Word in Black & White

For centuries, visual artists have turned to poets and writers for inspiration, internalizing the language and imagery crafted by their literary counterparts in an effort to express their own interpretation of the ideas and emotions conferred. It is a difficult and admirable challenge to undertake, made even more so by the knowledge that history is littered with the bodies of honorable attempts, most felled by the general and dreaded reaction of "Meh." Just for the record, kids, any artist who believes that death by apathetic response isn't the worse creative fatality possible is an incurable nutjob and you should run away from him/her double-quick.

Every once in a while, however, an artist emerges who successfully strives to transform the power of the word into the power of the visual, carrying the task out with a true and honest vision. Just such an artist is Milwaukee photographer William Zuback.

Currently in mid-creation of his interactive Book Passages Series, Zuback is collecting excerpts submitted by his blog readers. Upon acceptance of each passage, he diligently studies the words and concepts therein, presenting his photographic rendition for all to view and comment on when finished.

I met up with Zuback last week at what's quickly becoming my default casual interview space, Rochambo on Brady Street--oh, how I loves me a single shot cappuccino in the afternoon! There we discussed his process and his plans for the project.

A quick profile may be in order for those unfamiliar with Zuback's work and finding themselves distracted by curiosity. He graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California over twenty years ago, but for the past seventeen years he, like so many artists past and present, has had to maintain the tricky balance of making a living, having a family and keeping engaged in the creative pursuit. It should come as no surprise then that one priority had to take a temporary backseat to the other two--a free and hearty shout-out to the first who correctly guesses which aspect of life was shouting, "Are we there yet?" Now, though, Zuback is ready to focus on his artistic photography and he's making a stellar show of it with his Book Passages Series.

He started the project by choosing an excerpt from Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster--Zuback's a big, big fan--the surreal story of a man with no memory trapped in a locked room that's filled with clues about his life and identity. Zuback then posted his visual interpretations of the passage, asking people for constructive criticism--inarguably one of the hardest things to come by--and to submit passages of their own choosing.

While chatting, Zuback offered up the intel that if he hasn't read the book from which the selection comes he rarely seeks it out, preferring instead to deal with the excerpt as it is and without further context. He admitted to some conceptual struggles--and who can blame him, eh?--and did find it helpful to read more of the surrounding text on at least two occasions.

Many of the photographs in the series include the use of models and Zuback expressed enormous gratitude to the hard working souls who've volunteered to sit, stand, walk, and emote their hearts out under the oh-so hot lamps o' light. Though a few of the subjects are friends of the photog, most are models-for-hire who made the decision that this project is worthy of their valuable time and talent. Some have driven nearly 100 miles to be shot for this series and all have done for it free. And right here is where we give the plug for the source of most his subjects, Model Mayhem.

Thus far, Zuback has thoroughly pondered and digested eight excerpts, including fiction and nonfiction, for the series and he often produces more than one black and white image per passage. His attention to detail, lighting and composition is quite frankly stunning, and he manages to do so without cluttering up or weighing down the intensity of the visual impact.

Zuback's plan is to interpret a minimum of twenty-five excerpts through his photographic lens for the Book Passages Series and he's asking folks--yes, you!--to give him more suggestions, so click on over his blog to peruse what's been created to date, comment with a little helpful critique and submit your own handpicked selection.

The ultimate goal is to have a show of the entire project and galleries interested in exhibiting the completed Book Passages Series should contact Zuback wmzuback at backtothezu dot com. Best to do it today, my friends, 'cause work this good draws plenty of competition.

Link (Thanks, Bill!)

Comments

[William Zuback]

What can I say Mary except THANK YOU! I take negative criticism much easier than the wonderful positive words you have so beautifully written. I am truly humbled by your words and generosity.

Thankfully,
Bill Z.

[Mary Dally-Muenzmaier]

Aw, go on with ya. There's nothing in there that ain't true and don't let anyone tell ya different. The negative is simply the positive sans what really matters: the details. Keep it comin', man!

[Frieda Babbley]

Yahoo Bill! Yes! I am so proud! This is exciting. His works are truly amazing, folks. I fell in love at first sight.

[Holley Bakich]

Bill is a wonderful photographer with an absolute spot-on eye and a strong feel for the surreal. I have long loved his work and am so proud and happy to read an article giving him such overdue respect and publicity.