For over thirty years, Jon Kolkin has been working tandem in the art of science and the art of photography. His interest in photography began at an early age while “experimenting” in his father’s dark room. Later, it became apparent that music was the perfect combination of science and art as Jon’s passion for the clarinet awarded him a position in the National Youth Symphony. He gained international recognition for his talent and was invited to tour with the group in Europe.
These combined passions led to the decision to attend Emory University where Jon majored in chemistry and minored in art. He later received a medical degree and practiced hand surgery for almost 30 years. He managed to combine his medical career with his love for photography, traveling around the world as a medical volunteer and pursuing photography projects at the same time. He also continued his art education by taking photography courses and working consistently at his craft, winning many prestigious awards in photography publications and shows. He has recently retired from medicine to pursue his art full time. This opportunity to focus solely on his work has given Jon the time to completely immerse himself in the wonderfully animated worlds he sees in his dreams.
As stated by the Artist:
“It is my feeling that most people’s interpretation of their environment is based on their preconceived perception of reality. This understanding on one’s surroundings is built on previous experiences and the confines of our three dimensional world and five senses. But what if there are other dimensions and other senses? And what might be the benefit of changing ones’ point of view? My art is a vehicle to look below the surface, to see our world from a fresh perspective, perhaps even a fourth dimension. My work is intended to inspire others to recognize that each of us interprets our surroundings in our own unique way. It is my hope that this exercise can lead to more tolerance and understanding in our world.”
Jon’s work can be found in numerous private collections worldwide as well as corporate collections, including Bank of America, The Carter Center for International Peace, and Ritz Carlton Hotels. He is a continuing faculty member of the thirty year old acclaimed Maine Media Workshops and is a frequent lecturer on the topic of using photography as a tool to achieve personal growth. His photographs have won numerous awards nationally and abroad, and have appeared in prestigious photography magazines such as B & W, Color and Camera Arts.