SOUTHERN TASMANIAN PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
ANNUAL EXHIBITION
CRITIQUE BY Mr. JOSEPH CONNOR
15th January 1930 Page 9 - The Australasian Photographic Review
This important fixture of the Society’s program was opened on the 19th November, by the President, Mr. J.B. Stevens, who in a brief address, complimented members on the number and quality of the prints exhibited and the advance made by members in the work shown.
Tasmania, he thought, was a paradise for the picture hunter: its lakes, rivers, mountains and many excellencies in light and atmosphere lending themselves to the production of land and seascapes, etc., which could not be excelled in any part of the world.
In looking through the pictures shown, I am led to say that it is the power of being moved by beautiful subjects, which is within us, that constitutes the artist. “Practice”, as Emerson says, “is nine-tenths of accomplishment and without practice and power of selection you cannot advance”.
Several of the exhibitors demonstrate by their exhibits that they are working hard and experimenting in different processes, which after all is the way to success, for advancement in any branch of art is always preceded by experimentation and without this there is stagnation. It is sheer skill and careful observation that enables us to attain our objective and it is by watching and waiting for effects that we are led to the best results.
In viewing the work of individual members, one is struck by the advancement made in the choice of subjects and the results show what can be got out of a simple subject when well treated.
Very fine work in portraits and landscapes was shown by Dr. C.F. Hodgkinson, who is one of the most enthusiastic workers in the Society. His best portrait, that of an elderly gentleman with cap, has been cleverly handled and the subject holds its place with the background, always a difficult proposition. His study of Pontville Bridge has secured strength and is well lighted without being heavy. A beautiful marine study is also worthy of note: a Timber Barge under Full Sail.
Better work has never been shown by the President, Mr. J.B. Stevens and the results go to prove that he is progressive. His study, “Smoke Screen”, showing funnel and ventilators of a steamer, depicts what can be made out of a commonplace subject when properly handled, while his “St. David’s Park” and “A Busy Day in Port” are splendid in their composition and treatment.
Mr. F.G. Robinson makes a new departure in his late evening scene, “End of the Day”, which is well done and leaves a lot to the imagination. His “Port Phillip” has excellent tone values. It is a contribution to the collection of Australian Seascapes and he has also done well with his series embracing interiors of several cathedrals.
A bush fire scene and Seascape at Port Arthur are two successful contributions by Mr. N. Oldham. The former has been treated with great dignity and he has given a true and faithful rendering of a difficult subject. His seascapes have good tone values and suggest movement in the water.
15th January 1930 Page 10 - The Australasian Photographic Review
CULINARY SHADOWS
L. Fisher
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
Mr. A.E. Lodge has several interesting subjects of rural England and Continental scenes. He shows good, strong work in his “Sunlit Road” and “A Country Lane”. My favourite picture in this collection was “A Marine Scene at Marseilles”.
Mr. G.M. Moore shows a group of portraits and a seascape called “Dawn”, which, in the writer’s opinion, is the best of this artist’s work.
Mr. C. Gruncell, who is well known to Tasmanian picture-lovers, for his interesting studies of barges and yachts, shows, amongst a comprehensive choice of subjects, a picture of the “Volant” and his “The Coming Storm” is a thing of beauty.
One of the best pictures of the Exhibition is by Mr. Jos. Eccles, a very fine study of an old fisherman on his boat. It is a subject easily obtainable on our waterfront almost any day of the week and it seems a pity that this class of print is not more numerous at our Exhibitions. Mr. Eccles also had a fine portrait of one of our well-known citizens, which called forth much admiration.
Studies of the East Coast by Mr. B. Sheppard were well received and showed what can be accomplished where strong treatment combines with beauty. A scene on the main line railway was favorably commented upon as showing life and movement.
Mr. J. Gribbin, the Club’s latest addition in membership, shows promise in the manner that he has caught the feeling of light and shade in his “Sunlight” and a view called “The Public Buildings” depicts the feeling of solidity.
Another recent addition to the Club’s membership, Mr. L. Fisher, shows studies of “A Roundabout”, “The Haunted House” and “Wonderment” and these all give promise of very fine work in the near future.
Mr. F.S. Roger’s best picture is “Interested” and treats on another phase of waterfront life.
Mr. Breaden, Mr. L. Fisher, Mr. W.R. McKay, Mr. F. Gooding and Miss M.R. Jackson, showed several subjects treated with various color processes, which all go to prove that this branch of photographic art is advancing.
15th January 1930 Page 11 - The Australasian Photographic Review
SPRING
Miss Madge R. Jackson
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
15th January 1930 Page 12 - The Australasian Photographic Review
PONTVILLE PIERS
Dr. C.F. Hodgkinson
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
15th January 1930 Page 13 - The Australasian Photographic Review
AFTER THE RAIN
L. Fisher
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
15th January 1930 Page 14 - The Australasian Photographic Review
RUSSEL STREET, MELBOURNE
F.G. Robinson
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
15th January 1930 Page 15 - The Australasian Photographic Review
WESLEY PORTICO
J. Gribbin
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
15th January 1930 Page 16 - The Australasian Photographic Review
THE OLD VOLANT
C. Gruncell
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
15th January 1930 Page 17 - The Australasian Photographic Review
GOVERNMENT TOURIST BUREAU, HOBART
B. Sheppard
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
15th January 1930 Page 22 - The Australasian Photographic Review
TUSSOCKS
Dr. C.F. Hodgkinson
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
15th January 1930 Page 26 - The Australasian Photographic Review
IN OLD ST. DAVID’S
J.B. Stevens
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
15th January 1930 Page 29 - The Australasian Photographic Review
AT MARSEILLES
A.V. Lodge
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society