Opening June 1st, my latest personal art project will be on view at The Gallery at Berkshire Hathaway in Montclair, NJ.

“LINE OF WORK” is a series of portraits highlighting the jobs that we choose for ourselves and how they shape us into who we are. The exhibit consists of over 40 portraits of working men and women who live or work near my studio in Montclair.

I am drawing a straight line from this show to renowned fashion photographer Irving Penn’s seminal photo series, “Small Trades.” Penn photographed an army of tradesmen in 1951 in Paris, London and New York.

Using a single backdrop, a single light source and a self-imposed set of rules, these portraits capture 21st century professions, ranging from a pizza baker to firefighter, baseball umpire to museum director, hairdresser to escape artist.

Over two years, I’ve documented the denizens of Montclair, their pride in their work, their joy and the way they view themselves (versus the way the world might view them). I’m doing away with their usual environments and placing people into the detached space of a photography studio, allowing us to observe them without distraction.

Public is invited.
The Opening Reception will be Thursday, June 13th from 6-8 pm. Many of the folks in the portraits will be there, too. A Gallery Talk will be on Sunday, June 23rd from 2-4 pm. If you can’t make the events, you can see the show during business hours until July 31.

sample-photo-for-show-line-of-work-by-phil-cantor

“Line of Work” created and photographed by Phil Cantor.

Brought to you by Montclair, NJ Family and Headshot Portrait Photographer Phil Cantor.