It's not often that you get to interview a true Renaissance man. But this week I had the pleasure of connecting with the renowned Leonard Volk, FAIA emeritus architect, author, photographer, community leader, and world traveler.
his book, every day, A record of 60 years of personal photos and essays. “Images are more than just visuals. They are loaded with content and stories, and they evoke emotions that are rarely projected,” said Hal Box, FAIA, former dean of the University of Texas School of Architecture. I am. “This is more than just a collection of great photographs. In a quiet way, it tells dramatic stories of everyday life.”
Bork will be hosting a book signing and discussion at Interlaban Books on April 25th. The stories behind the photos will surprise and delight.
“The selection of this book summarizes my conclusions from architectural design and photography about art, craft, and life. I hope readers will consider the issues that I have found important, and may also ask their own questions. I hope you build it.”
He draws a connection between architecture and photography, calling them cousins.
“Fundamental design considerations determine both. Get the bones right, then have fun with texture, contrast, key details, and relationships between parts.”
Great examples are the Reunion Ball and Old Red. “Because of their contrasting shapes, he created this painting by bringing the two as close together as possible,” he said of the Crescent, which was under construction in 1984. It's fun is not it. It makes for a happy composition. ”
He describes the downtown street scenes he photographed in the mid-1980s as street jazz.
“Look at the elements and see how all the angles fit together to form a whole.”
Born and raised in Dallasite, Volk grew up in the 1930s and '40s, when land and mortgages were cheap. “In the Dallas real estate market, valuable old buildings were considered worthless and unacceptable unless they were given a new look or, even better, replaced with something new and therefore better. .”
A photo of the Dallas skyline taken from Route 17.th A similar sentiment is reflected in the floors of his Park Towers condominium. “Before Uptown was built, it was a great vantage point. Now you can only see the tips of the tallest buildings.”
Volk never traveled without a camera. His portraits are especially moving. A personal favorite, “Positano Boy,” his 1950 shot on the Amalfi Coast, was later recognized in the Texas Photographic Society's national competition.
Other honors include awards from black, white magazine, color Magazine, The University of Texas at Austin's Ransom Center, Santa Fe Center for Photography.
For all photographers, Volk offers the following advice: I encourage everyone to find a subject that you have a strong interest in, that others don't know about photographing, and that others won't try to photograph the way you do. ”
Meet Leonard Volk on Thursday, April 25th at 6pm at Interabang Books, 5600 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas.
