From Photographer David Lee Black's Wrentham series.
He is a storyteller that doesn't use the written word. Photographer David Lee Black tells mythical and romantic tales through the images he captures with his camera. Occasionally his adopted hometown of Wrentham plays a key role in his art. "My photography is mostly about storytelling," Black says. "Wrentham has no shortage of charming and beautiful story telling locations."
Originally from Missouri, Black has been been interested in photography since he was a young boy. He remembers the Photography Merit Badge was one of the first ones he pursued on his way to earning the Boy Scout rank of Eagle. Over the years, his approach evolved into his current distinctive style.
In some of his work, models portray historical characters juxtaposed with a unique setting. In many cases, very familiar Wrentham locations serve as the back drop. It's the beauty and inspiration that the town offers that makes him happy he decided to settle here over twenty years ago. He also says, Wrentham not only serves his art, but it's also been a great place to raise his two daughters.
He connects to the Helen Keller quote about her days in town. Keller said, "Always I look back to Wrentham as the place where I lived most serenely, where I did my work quietly, and enjoyed undisturbed the treasures of books and of nature."
"That always resonated with me strongly," Black says.
White Barn Farm was one of many Wrentham locations featured in a photo series on the town.
In a series specially about Wrentham, all the models were either residents or had a direct connection to the community. Each portrayed characters in different but well known spots creating a story in each shot. In all the images, the town played a key character. (
Click here to view more of Black's Wrentham's series.)
Currently, Black's work is on display at the Looking Glass Cafe in Wrentham, the Attleboro Art Museum and the Biltmore in Providence. He also has an exhibit at the Old Fiske Museum which can be seen through a special arrangement with the
Wrentham Cultural Council. In April, his work will be on display at the Terrace Cafe.