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A SHOW OF PHOTOS. Seen here are two examples of photography that can be seen at the Starkweather Arts Center's most recent show, which will run from April 9-30. The photographs, all shot and edited by Patrick Costa, are manipulated to give certain moods and effects. For example, the above photo was altered to have an older look using sepia toning, while the one has a blue hue.

(Photos courtesy of Patrick Costa)

Photography exhibit
showcases 'digital' art

by CHRIS GRAY
Observer Staff Writer

      Experience how one photographer is changing the way pictures are seen at the Starkweather Arts Center's latest gallery.
       The center will host an exhibit featuring Madison Heights resident Patrick Costa's photography from April 9 to 30. An opening reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 9.

Tara Klein, the art center's director, said there have been a lot of requests for a photography show to be held at the gallery, and expects this will more than satisfy those desires with his mixture of real and altered photos.
       "It's a fine line between manipulating something to make it great and going too far, and (Costa) really finds that line," she said. "He really creates a lot of different moods and emotions with the camera."
       She said given the positive response the art center garnered from having large pieces on display during the grand opening of its refurbished second floor, some of Costa's larger prints will be featured during the gallery's run.
       "We don't have those kinds of grand scale pieces too often," she said.
       The photos on display will mainly feature ocean landscapes and sailboats, which Costa said are two of his favorite types of photos to take.
       "There is nothing like the water, I love the sea," he said. "It's all in the passion, whether it's a shot of a dried leaf to shooting the ocean."
       Costa said he has been involved with photography for all his life, with his background in the automotive industry. He uses computer software to manipulate and edit photos to his interpretation of how he feels they should look, such as making them look aged.
       "I think digital has been widely accepted as a medium for fine art," he said. "All the major publications for fine art accept it as a true format."
       He said the advent of software and programs that allow for the manipulation and editing of photos lets him accomplish what normally took days to complete in the traditional format.
       "There is still a process, but with this process you're not only the image creator but the processor, and in that there are varying paths you can take," he said.
       He said it can still take days to complete a project, but this is because they can encompass more than taking a photo and editing it. This includes doing his own printing, with the exception of large five-by-five foot pieces that will be at the exhibit.
       "It's a matter of deciding which pieces you want to print, and all of the frames are specialized<some artists like to use the same frame for everything - so I create a one-of-a-kind piece," he said. "It's not just making a picture, you have to be responsible for the entire body of presentation."
       Though he has shown his work in Starkweather before, he is looking forward to having his work in the gallery once again.
       "I think it's one of the better galleries, it's got an old-world feeling, and they have done a lot of work there to bring it up to standards," he said.
       Donations to the center are welcome at the door. For more information, visit www.starkweatherarts.com or call (586) 752-5700.