Well, if it’s not about the Hokey Pokey, what is it all about?

Most likely, it’s different for each of us. Maybe for some it’s fame. For another it’s a driving passion. And for someone else, just an excuse to get out of class.

Oh, wait. That’s just me…

Or maybe Martha Graham said it best:

There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening
that is translated through you into action,
and because there is only one of you in all time,
this expression is unique.

If you block it,
it will never exist through any other medium
and be lost.
The world will not have it.

It is not yours to determine how good it is;
nor how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep the channel open.
You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.

You have to keep open and aware directly
to the urges that motivate you.
Keep the channel open.

No artist is ever pleased.
There is no satisfaction whatever at any time.
There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction;
a blessed unrest that keeps us marching
and makes us more alive than the others.

Yeah, that’s about right. We have to do it. We have no choice.

It’s what makes us feel alive…

A (very) few words about Ray…

Ray is a Visual Anthropologist based in Raleigh, NC. Working in the documentary tradition, his photographs speak to the passage of time and the stories we tell. He creates photographs to illustrate an idea, or a narrative for the viewer to follow. When not searching for stories to tell, Ray has guest lectured, taught photography, and understanding creativity for many educational and civic groups.

In addition to having served on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Panorama Photographers, he is the founder of A Photographers Place, a community resource for photographers to find inspiration and support for their work.

He has also served as Board Chair and executive team member for the annual Click! Photography Festival.

And, he bakes great cookies.

Recent Juried Exhibitions

2023 - Eyes on Main Street - Wilson, NC

2019 - Depth of Field - MJH Gallery

2019 - Driving Home - A.J. Fletcher House (Solo)

2019 - Our House - Seamans Gallery

2018 – Driving Home – SE Center for Photography (Solo)

2018 – Meditations – Sertoma Art Gallery (Solo)

2018 – Driving Home – The Fence 2018

2018 – Structure – Litmus Gallery

2018 – Variations & Meditations – Horace Williams House (Solo)

2017 – By The Sea – Hager Smith Gallery (Solo)

2017 – Variations & Meditations – Bond Park Community Center (Solo)

2016 - Click! Pop-Up Exhibition – The Frontier

2016 - Southern Landscape: SCOPE Exhibit – Visual Art Exchange

2016 - 525,600 Mins – Waterworks Art Center

2016 - Reflections – United Arts Council MJH Gallery

2016 - Untitled: Photographic Works – Visual Art Exchange

2015 - Sea & Sky – DRH Community Space (Solo show curated by VAE)

2015 - The Image Exhibition – Visual Art Exchange

2015 – Darkroom + Foundry – Visual Art Exchange

2015 - Flower Power – 1650 Gallery