Jack Montgomery, Grace, After the Storm, 2023, 1/10, Photogravure, 5 x 5 inches

The Rukenfigur Prints, The human figure portrayed from behind (the “Rukenfigur”) is a powerful artistic device that has long been employed in classical painting, film and photography. I believe it introduces an element of ambiguity, which I welcome. Depending upon the context, it suggests to me a variety of emotions, ranging from mystery, vulnerability, tragedy, sadness, longing to many others. As I began reviewing my own images made over a period of many years, I found many embodied the Rukenfigur. As I edited them, I enjoyed the many moods they evoked in me and thus created this portfolio.

I began photographing in earnest in 1992. While I have largely focused on portraiture, I am also drawn to landscape and other photographic genres. I am inspired as much by the work of painters as I am by other photographers. I have used a variety of cameras, photographing both with film and digitally. I have had the good fortune to take photographs in many places but my greatest joy has been in making images within two of three miles of my home in Freeport, Maine. The variety of subjects and locales in my town is a constant source of inspiration. For the last decade, I have primarily produced prints using 19th Century processes — photogravure, palladium and kallitype. These methods are slow, often challenging and full of surprises. I get pleasure making things by hand. Each one of these prints is unique. Just like the photographers from long ago whom I admire, working in this fashion allows me to introduce my own memories, dreams and reflections into the image. They each tell a story — at least they do for me. — J.M