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Introductory statements by Henry Hopkins, Professor of Art at University of California, Los Angeles and Cole Weston, a nationally known master photographer both discuss Kurt Edward Fishback’s masterful photographic images. Hopkins states "Kurt Fishback is an artist who draws heavily upon the immediate for his photography. As an artist he understands other artist's needs and has that rare capacity to enter unobtrusively into an artist's environment to capture the soul of the being in his most sacred environment, his studio. Cartier-Bresson, Kertesz and others experimented with this idea but Fishback has made it a profession, accumulating more than two hundred and fifty images of the creative heart of our nation. One can only thank him for giving us extra-ordinary images such as Robert Arneson leaning against himself, Ansel Adams with his broken nose and dangling eyeglasses or Viola Frey dwarfed among her clay giantesses. This is Kurt Fishback's contribution to the history of photography and it is one of significance."

Cole Weston succinctly declares, "Strangely enough, looking at Kurt Edward’s work now, one can easily see a synthesis of the work of his two namesakes. Like his father, Kurt really specializes in portraits of people. He has a knack for bringing people’s personalities out on film with a rare and private intensity. However, he’s also taken Edward Weston’s depth of field and stark contrasts into his work." Weston asserts that, "Kurt’s work demonstrates a desire to bring out the real essence of his subject, never to enhance on it or embellish it."

Fishback has spent twenty years gathering these magnificent portraits. His wife, Joan, archived all the notes and artist interviews at every portrait sitting. The book features black and white portraits printed in duotone. Included are notable West Coast artists who have made an impact on the art world both regionally and nationally.

Graphic artistry is by David Julian, sweetlight.com. Julian, from Seattle, Washington, is well known for his cutting-edge design. The book, available in May, will correspond with an exhibit at the Solomon Dubnick Gallery. The fine art book, available to bookstores, galleries, museums and libraries, is in a 12" x 10" softbound trade edition and contains 144 pages and over 75 artists portraits and stories. Interviews may be arranged with Kurt Edward Fishback.

Kurt Fishback's "Art in Residence: West Coast Artists in their Space" may be purchased for $24.95 plus $6.00 shipping and handling (priority mail) and state tax of 7.75% if sent in California. Signed book available from gallery only. Gallery will post all future book signings throughout the US on Web site. You may order your copy by fax (916.923.6356), letter, or phone (916. 920.4547).