Caedes

Artist Spotlight # 53

Submitted by mimi 09/13/10 7:51 AM GMT

Showcasing our next artist in the spotlight is someone who has a unique username..with an interesting explanation for it! I present to you casechaser (known to many of us as John). Please visit his varied gallery, and litter it with genuine comments.
John's bio is below:

I could not believe my eyes when I saw mimi’s pm telling me that I had been selected as the next “Artist of the Month.” I am humbled by this honor and deeply thank those who nominated me.

I have been a member at Caedes since August of 2007 and have had the privilege of seeing the works of so many talented people. It is such a joy to turn on the computer each day and see the remarkable pictures before me. I was born in Columbus, Ohio and will probably see my last sunset there. It is a wonderful city. I went to school in Columbus and graduated from The Ohio State University. I was very fortunate to find a terrific lady named Rebecca (Becky) who actually said yes to me and we were married for thirty-two years before she passed away. We raised four outstanding kids, one girl and three boys. And, we have one grandson, whom we all love and spoil rotten. After high school, I went into the military and served in the United States Air Force Security Service. I was a crypto-analyst. I was stationed in Turkey for a year and a half and then was sent to Taiwan for 15 months. I would never trade those experiences for anything in the world. I wish I had been into photography back then and had taken pictures of those two beautiful countries.

After the military and college, I became a buyer for a grocery chain and worked my way up the ranks of management. Later leaving and becoming an executive as a Food Broker with a national company. It is here, with the Food Brokerage, where my nickname, casechaser, was born. Food brokers made their money from the commissions gained from selling cases of products to customers’ warehouses. Each quarter, your clients would give you the quota of cases you needed to sell to your customers to make the number and maybe even get a bonus. Thus, every quarter, I was chasing the “number.” Chasing cases! When the food brokerage career field ended I was very fortunate to find employment with the College of Medicine, at The Ohio State University.

My wife passed away in October of 2006, and it took me quite awhile before I could do things we had done together. Like our long walks in the Metro Parks. One of our favorites, Highbanks, was one she and I would go to each weekend. I was constantly stopping on the paths to take pictures and she would patiently wait for me. Often, she would ask me just how many pictures of a tree did I need! As we all know, the next one is going to be better than last one. Sort of – right? So, from October of 2006 until around July of 2007, I did not do anything. But, I then got a new computer with a widescreen monitor and my son showed me these photography sites which had great wallpapers. That is when I found Caedes.net and populated my hard drive with many excellent pictures for my desktop. I became curious as to how my pictures may be received in this international community and I began posting. Immediately, people not only commented on my pictures but gave me instructions on how to improve my work and suggestions of cameras and equipment. I had been using an Olympus C-5050. It was a terrific camera but I felt the bug and soon upgraded to a Canon XTi. I use a 17-85 IS Canon Lens as my “walk about” lens. Patti (fogz) is always telling me to use a tripod, so I have compromised and use a monopod, most of the time!! I also have a Panasonic DMC-ZS3, which I will toss in my pocket for those trips where I do not want to carry my Canon. I am currently saving my pennies and would hope to one day have a Canon 7D. (I am now only 180,000 pennies short on that goal).

As I mentioned above, I joined Caedes in 2007, August 21st. Two of my close friends also joined at that time. Ron (Tick – 0930_23) joined on August 20th and Jim (Jimbob), like me, also came on the 21st. We are all close to the same age, but I have been told that I look much younger and am, by far, more handsome than either of them. Lol. They have given me much advice over the years as has Patti (fogz) and Nigel (nigelmoore). I am always amazed by the composition skills of owd Bob and Richie, the sunsets and sunrises of Liz and Thad, and the fractals of Joanie, Pat, John, and Lori. My dear friend Verena always gave me such eloquent comments and encouragement. She had a way of always making you and your work seem more special. I miss her very much.

I think my favorite works may be my art pieces. I am always experimenting with lines, colors, shadows, and composition. I have also, on occasions, attempted to fuse my visual picture with a narrative. I wanted to blend a poem or passage from a book, or the lyrics from a song, or a series of quotes, with my picture. It does not always work, but when it does, I believe it adds another layer to whole experience of the posting.

Robert Frost once said, ““Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” I believe what all of us here on Caedes do is art. It is taking something visual and with light, with shadow, with color, and with geometry, we make an emotion. And with the wings provided to us by Geri, our emotions have found the wind.

I am very appreciative for what we have here and I thank you Geri, and the moderators, for providing this site to us, and to the community of artists for the honor of being selected the Artist of the Month.

Sincerely ~~ John (casechaser)

Comments

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.Catharina1
10/02/10 6:51 PM GMT
Congratulations John! Happy for you and I hope you enjoy the time in the spotlight.. well deserved! Good weekend! Mich
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::trixxie17
10/02/10 9:47 PM GMT
Congratulations John - you have such a wonderful and varied gallery.
Kathy
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. . . "What a desolate place would be a world without a flower! It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome." A.J. Balfour
::cynlee
10/02/10 10:35 PM GMT
Congratulations, John. You deserve this recognition for your enthusiasm and gallery.
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Life is precious; therefore, do not waste it by doing things mechanically without love. We should try to put love into everything we do. - Amma
::Hottrockin
10/03/10 8:18 AM GMT
Mucho congrats John!! Your gallery is vast & impressive!!
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Why do the pictures come out square when the lens is round??
.twinkel
10/03/10 10:33 AM GMT
Many congrats, John.

Enjoy your time in the spotlights, a well deserved honor :o)
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Carpe Diem!
::Inkeri
10/03/10 10:37 AM GMT
Congratulations,John.!!!!Well desrved.Love your Beautiful nature photos,and all Fantastic art works..Erja
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.Olaus
10/03/10 2:38 PM GMT
Congratulations John. Well deserved. Have a great weekend and enjoy the time in the spotlight.
Christer
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::corngrowth
10/03/10 2:49 PM GMT
Welcome in the Caedes Hall Of Fame.
Congratulations John, with your well deserved place in the spotlight.
Like to use this opportunity as well to say thanks for all your wonderful work.
Hope we may enjoy in the future much more great images from you.
Regards, Cornelius.
PS: great interview.
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Cornelius was here either to enjoy your image or say 'thank you' for your interest in my work. Please CLICK HERE to see my journal!
::tigger3
10/03/10 4:06 PM GMT
This is so well deseved John, your creativity knows no bounds, and I want to pat you on the back for a job well done. Kudos my friend, I'm so glad you received this honor. Tigs♥ =^..^=

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Nature in all her glory is my uplift on life and so is my love of photography. sandi ♪ ♫
::biffobear
10/03/10 8:09 PM GMT
Well done John..Deserved recognition and thanks for the mention in dispatches....R.
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“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
::jswgpb
10/03/10 8:55 PM GMT
Way to go buddy, pleased as punch for ya John. They actually do something right around here once in awhile. :) LOL I think I just saw Geri blink. (Caedes eye) rofl Enjoy it my friend.......it's richly deserved. :) John
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Always remember - Follow the Yellow Brick Road, it will lead you to OZ and the Emerald City. A very nice place to live. Trust me on this one, I live there. The Lion **** MY CAEDES GALLERY****Another Site I'm AT - MY DA HOME PAGE
::Genver
10/03/10 9:37 PM GMT
Congratulations John,it is well deserved,you have some very good photos.
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::0930_23
10/03/10 10:37 PM GMT
It is always an honor to win such an award. Congrats.

TicK
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Cameras are like people--sometimes they lose focus.
::Jimbobedsel
10/04/10 12:26 AM GMT
WOWEEE!! And YIPPIE!! I am so happy to see you as Featured Artist. I remember when you, Tick and I all came to Caedes at the same time and almost became friends the same day. That was pretty cool. I have always enjoyed your diverse works, especially the scenes by the rivers, and on the walking trails at the parks in and around Columbus. Congratulations, Good buddy. You really deserve this honor.

Jim
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GO BUCKS!!!!!
::Roseman_Stan
10/04/10 12:34 AM GMT
Congratulations John! So fitting that you got this honor. I am a fan of your work my friend. The path through life sure is a tough and unkind one at times but your deep thinking mind has solid focus. Your work shows that. Again congrats to you.

Stan
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"If I should leave this path of life today, I would carry the vision of Gods' Rose Blooms with me as I go......." --By Stan V. Griep - 2010
.Joanie
10/04/10 1:53 AM GMT
A big happy congrats John!!! You should have made it a long time ago buddy. I've always loved your work and you truly deserve this honor. Your narrative made me smile and laugh and cry. You certainly have a way with words. Here's to you!
Hugs, Joanie
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::Ramad
10/04/10 9:44 AM GMT
Congratulations John - I have just looked through your gallery and found some wonderful images there. You certainly deserve the honour.
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If practice makes perfect and nobody is perfect, then why practice?
::SEFA
10/04/10 11:09 AM GMT
Congratulations John, to this very well deserved honor! There are so many times that I have really enjoyed your work and narratives. Congrats one more time, to a true artist!
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SEFA
::LynEve
10/04/10 11:45 AM GMT
Congratulations John on your well deserved place in the spotlight. Your creative and inspiring images (and words)bring joy to many.
Thank you also for sharing your thoughts in your narrative.
May your dreams come true, including the 7D.

Now go bask !!
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My thanks to all who leave comments for my work and to those of you who like one enough to make it a favourite. To touch just one person that way makes each image worthwhile. . . . . . . . . .. . . . "The question is not what you look at, but what you see" ~ Marcel Proust
::allisontaylor
10/04/10 1:38 PM GMT
Congratulations John! I so enjoyed reading your bio. You have a talented eye and imagination. Impossible for me to pick a favorite. Hope you get that camera soon!
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::Dunstickin
10/04/10 4:16 PM GMT
Welcome to the Artiste's hall of fame John..

A worthy accolade for you!....I enjoy the comments and 'chats' with you...This is the magic of Caedes!

Enjoy your time mate....yer on the throne for good now!.
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* A picture is the expression of an impression * .. .. OwdBob'sGallery
::danika
10/04/10 8:23 PM GMT
Congratualtions John ... a well-deserved honor & you are so talented. I enjoy your abstract creations ... they really get me thinking & your photogrpahy is an inspiration. Enjoy your time in the spot light.
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"I Love Lab's!"
::jeenie11
10/04/10 10:17 PM GMT
i've enjoyed so much of your work. congratulations on having it and you highlighted.
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AVATAR BY PJ............... i'd like to give special thanks to those who have added my photographs to their "favorites". it's such a treat for me to see each one. i am always extremely grateful for the kind comments and suggestions that you make. Please Visit My Gallery
::Ed1958
10/05/10 12:27 AM GMT
I enjoyed very much your narrative and i believe that this spotlight is so well deserve to a person like you. What a great experience of life you've; this is a treasury you can leverage using the necessary shrewdness. You're a rich person indeed.
My regards to a gentleman.
Ed.
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.Eubeen
10/05/10 1:06 AM GMT
Congratulations John on a much deserved honour and recognition. I really enjoy your nature shots. Fantastic work.
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Think about the photo before and after, never during. The secret is to take your time. You mustn't go too fast. The subject must forget about you. Then, however, you must be very quick. Henri Cartier-Bresson
::mesmerized
10/05/10 4:28 PM GMT
Congratulations, John! I'm so glad to see you have been awarded Artist of the Month. It's always a pleasure to view the beauty and imagination in your images, and as well to read the verses, poems, insightful comments, and friendly messages you share with us. I look forward to more from you in the future. Meantime, enjoy all the attention and accolades you so deserve.
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"One photo out of focus is a mistake, ten photos out of focus is an experimentation, one hundred photos out of focus is a style."
::luckyshot
10/06/10 7:08 PM GMT
John - You are deserving of this recognition as Artist of the Month. Your work is inspiring and your comments on other's work is encouraging. Enjoy the spotlight! Thad
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If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera. ~Lewis Hine
::solita17
10/07/10 6:57 AM GMT
Hey, Mr. Casechaser, congratz on winning Artist of the Month! About time, sez I... And you know I love your abstract art: the latest one called 'wings' is wonderful! So enjoy the spotlight... you deserve it.
mary
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"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun." -- Katharine Hepburn
::Silvanus
10/07/10 8:59 PM GMT
A hearty congratulations, John! Well deserved. I'll be looking forward to seeing some more of your outstanding work shot with a new Canon 7D.

— Steve
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::egggray
10/10/10 12:39 AM GMT
I am so excited you won this award. Your gallery is amazing. Keep up the good work. Gregg
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If you wish to purchase framed photos, prints or greeting cards of my work please visit my website .http://www.redbubble.com/people/ziggy7
::100k_xle
10/11/10 12:04 AM GMT
Congratulations John. I've always enjoyed your thinking outside the box when it comes to orginal one of kind images. One of my Favorites is Serenity. Thanks for sharing your talents and Hope you have many more years of sharing ahead of you.

E J
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This Image GRABBED my EYE. That's Why I Stopped By. Thanks For Sharing ! Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience
.avedeloff
10/11/10 8:07 PM GMT
A little late on this...but Congrats John! You deserve it and keep up the great work.
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"Hurry to meet Death before your place is taken."
::Shewolfe
10/12/10 8:26 AM GMT
Congratulations :)
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"Everyone has a photographic memory...some just don't have film." ~~My DA Gallery~~
::wheedance
10/13/10 1:35 PM GMT
Congrats, John! It was great to read your 'story' and get to know more about you. So sorry for the loss of your wife. Sounds like you had a wonderful life together. And thanks for sharing your talent with us! Hilda
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All of earth is crammed with heaven And every bush aflame with God But only those who see take off their shoes. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning<p> mygallery
.tealeaves
10/22/10 8:20 PM GMT
Congrats, John!! I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see you in the spotlight! I'm just sorry I didn't see the announcement until now. Of all of your outstanding images, I must say that your art pieces are among my favorites. Each one so creative and unique, and so many are contained in my cycled wallpapers. The extra steps you take in choosing the perfect accompanying narratives, makes them that much more special :) I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your bio, and wish you much pleasure, just as you have brought pleasure to so many through your creativeness! I'm looking forward to seeing more! Cheers!! =D

Lori
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*Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. ~Scott Adams*
+purmusic
10/24/10 10:32 PM GMT
Nice bio, John.

Thanks for sharing that with us.


And but of course, congratulations. As I do enjoy the 'fresh' looks of artistry that you afford us through your posted imagery.

Thank you, once more ... for sharing your creativity with us. Enjoy your time.


:o)
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::fogz
10/30/10 3:24 PM GMT
woohooo John! You made the front page! Just shows how far behind I am - I only just noticed this morning! :) I am so pleased you have gained recognition and been awarded this acolade! ...you deserve it my friend! You have an amazing gallery - your artistic talent shows in the many varied and experimental pieces of art you have showcased here! ...some of the images have deep emotion, others are pretty scary! ;) but all very artistic in their own rights! well done John!!! Patti
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..thanking you in advance for your comments. Please know that all your comments are appreciated....." Live well, love much, laugh often!" .... mygallery

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