February Writers' Night Features Dick Pollock & Poet Kamal Nath

In the midst of February, Writers Night presenters will bring the beauty, inspiration and images of the White Mountains to appreciative listeners and fellow writers. At 7 pm on Thursday evening, February 16^th, Writers’ Night at the Effingham Public Library will feature photography by Dick Pollock and poetry by Kamal Nath.

Dick Pollock, creator of A Mount Washington Valley Photobook, finds his inspiration comes primarily from immersion in the outdoor world. Having climbed all of the 4,000 footers in New Hampshire, having summited Mt Washington over 700 times as a stage driver for the Auto Road, and being an active skier, cyclist, kayaker, he has developed a deep appreciation for things wild and scenic. It is his privilege to interpret this world through his photography. Through his photographic work, Dick’s goal is to capture images that need as little tweaking as possible. He doesn’t believe in spending hours Photoshopping his work, although he admires what can be produced by those who do. As he has gained experience as a photographer, he has become more aware of the importance of light in producing a powerful image. He tries to pay more attention to seeking out lighting conditions that will do that. If the early morning light is spectacular, he’s in the car and out chasing the view! Part of his motivation to do what he does relates to the impact of good scenic photography on individuals. Dick feels that, done right, photographs help to heighten people’s appreciation for the environment.

In addition to the 70-page full color photo book , A Mount Washington Valley Photobook that arrived in stores last summer, Dick has produced a retail calendar the last several years. For Dick, photography is an avocation that he has developed in retirement that has become a profession and a passion. Dick’s current endeavor is to develop a line of giclee prints – wildlife and scenic photos on canvas- and these are the subject of his current exhibit at the Handcrafters Barn. He has had exhibitions of his work at the Conway Library, the Madison Library and has participated in shows at MWVAA. Dick is currently the President of the North Country Camera Club and is a freelance photographer for The Mountain Ear newspaper. He is a juried member of the Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association. More information and photos at www.moatphoto.com

Poet Kamalendu Nath, born in British India, came to the University of Florida (Gainesville) in 1964. He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Indiana University (Bloomington). Although his career has revolved around fringe fields in biology, his interest from childhood has been to understand the mystery of existence. He has been aided by Richard Dawkin’s concept of The Selfish Gene and finds his views in line with secular humanism. Thus, in constructing his poems he seeks rhythm in Nature, including human nature, and combines his Indian, American and science backgrounds on topics related to existence. He is an emeritus professor in Biology (Long Island University) and enjoys the wilderness that surrounds his abode in our small town of Effingham (New Hampshire).

Kamal’s poetry has appeared in Twisted Tongue; Barfing Frog; The One Eight Three; Worlds Within Worlds Beyond; A Hudson View Poetry Digest International Collection; Vermont Literary Review; Thresholds Literary Journal; Palimpsest; and in two anthologies (The 2008 & 2010 Poets’ Guide to New Hampshire).

Come to listen, or bring a piece of your own writing or music to share. Writers’ Night, the third Thursday of the month, is for those who write – music, poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction - and for those who enjoy listening. Each month, featured writers and musicians will be followed by an open-mic opportunity for others to share a piece of original writing or acoustic music (up to 5 minutes). Enjoy light refreshments and conversation with other writers, musicians and artists. Writers’ Night is just one of many enriching community events taking place at the Effingham Public Library. For more information, contact: Katie McCarthy, 539-7694 katiemccarthy@roadrunner.com or call the Library 539-1537. The Library is located at 30 Town House Road, Effingham.