This coming April, Eric will be joining forces with Eli Temchin for an art showing in Kansas City.  Eli is a native of Kansas with a degree in healthcare management from Ottawa University.  He currently works as a delivery technician for RecoverCare, LLC, but that is just his “day job”.  He claims it’s not too glamorous, but it pays the bills and affords him the time to really focus on two of his passions: being a stay at home dad and working on his photography. Eli practices photography as one of his creative outlets and will be displaying his work, alongside Eric’s, for the month of April at the Alpha Gallery in Kansas City.  The opening reception for the show will be from 6:00-9:00 pm on Friday, April 3^rd. 

To gain a deeper insight on what makes Eli tick as an artist, I found out the following:

What sparked your interest in photography?
~Can’t really remember. I’ve always had a camera with me since sometime in high school.  Nothing as a constant interest, just something to remember goofy things with friends. Over time, it just became one of those things: here’s Eli and his camera. 

How long have you been pursuing this hobby now?
~Let’s say 18 years now, give or take, most of which though I didn’t really know it. About 10 years ago I entered a national contest and won 3^rd place. I guess at that point I realized that I enjoyed it, but I still wasn’t really ready to do anything with it. 

What are your favorite subjects to photograph and why?
~Really anything. I don’t really take photos of people, unless you are friends or family, and it’s just for fun. Serious people who want their photo taken for a serious reason scare me. If it’s not the way they want, they will let me know. I would rather take photos my way, without a care in the world, that isn’t really posed.

Are there any photographers you gain inspiration from?  What is it about their work that triggers that inspiration?
~Anyone and everyone. I hate to admit it, but I’m all self-taught. I see a photo I like and I try and recreate it. It isn’t stealing, it’s creatively learning. I can’t do exactly what someone else does. They might be shorter than me. It’s a different point of view and a different vision.

What is your favorite photo you’ve taken and please describe it to us/tell us about what makes it your favorite?
~Impossible. My favorite is the one that puts me in a good mood. All of my photos remind me of something. Where I was, what I was doing at the time. The ones I like, other people might not. And of course, the opposite is true as well. 

In what galleries do you currently display/sell your photographs?
~Really anywhere that will let me. Mainly it’s in the Crossroads Arts District. Small places now, but things are yet to come.

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Hope you are able to join Eric and Eli for their opening in April!  If you are unable to attend, their work will be on display through the end of April.
Details:
Opening Reception: Friday, April 3^rd, 2015.  6:00-9:00 PM
Alpha Gallery
2014 Main, Kansas City, MO

Until then, you can get a sneak peak sampling of Eli’s photography here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eli-Temchin-Photography/149875775077130 and Eric’s paintings here: https://www.facebook.com/ericmeysenburgartist