Photographer John Chervinsky, whose work explored the concept of time, passed away in December of 2015, following a typically resolute battle with pancreatic cancer. The modesty and unassuming character John conveyed in life belies the extent to which he will be missed, not only by his family and friends, but also by the entire photographic community of which he was so proud to be a part.

The John Chervinsky Emerging Photographer Scholarship was announced in June 2016 to recognize, encourage and reward photographers with the potential to create a body of work and sustain solo exhibitions. Awarded annually, the Scholarship provides recipients with a monetary award, a Master class with Mary Virginia Swanson, an exhibition of their work at the Griffin Museum of Photography, and a volume from John’s personal library of photography books. The Scholarship seeks to provide a watershed moment in the professional lives of emerging photographers, providing them with the support and encouragement necessary to develop, articulate and grow their own vision for photography.

The first year in 2016, 166 photographers submitted applications to be considered for the scholarship.

After much thought and consideration the judges (Leslie K. Brown, Barbara Hitchcock, Mary Virginia Swanson and Richard Levy), chose Tricia Gahagan as the first recipient of the John Chervinsky Emerging Photographer Scholarship.

The judges also put forth a group of six finalists they felt should be noted, each of whom were ranked at the highest level by no less than 3 out of 4 Judges. The Finalists are: Vanessa Filley, Ville Kansanen, Wen Hang Lin, Katie Mack, Tiziana Rozzo and Rebecca L. Webb.

One of the judges, Mary Virginia Swanson said, “In viewing the applications to the Inaugural John Chervinsky Emerging Photographer Scholarship, I could not help but think of John and his creative practice.”

She went on to say, “Within the applications there were dozens of compelling projects that bore evidence of exploration of both ideas and process. Upon viewing Tricia Gahagan’s project “11:11 Connecting With Consciousness” and reading her applications documents, I felt she had achieved that and more; I sense she is approaching her project with deep and profound contemplation. Gahagan envisions life’s most complex issues in this series of simple images, affording the viewer a path towards their own contemplative journey.”

The call for new submissions will occur on August 1, 2017. The exhibition for Gahagan will open  September 7, 2017.

Artist Bio – Tricia Gahagan

Gahagan is a fine art photographer born and raised in Providence, RI. She is a first-time recipient of the John Chervinsky Emerging Photographer Scholarship from The Griffin Museum of Photography. Her work has been exhibited and published throughout the United States and internationally. She began her career in fine art photography after over a decade in marketing and advertising. In 2012 she attended Corcoran College of Art & Design then continued to the New England School of Photography in Boston. She then went on to study under Joyce Tenneson and Cig Harvey.In addition to her art she is a contributor to LA Yoga and Boston Yoga magazines and serves on the board of New

Harmony Farm. Gahagan is based out of Newbury, MA with her young family. When she’s not behind her camera she loves doing yoga, hiking, and meditating.

 Artist Statement

How often do we pause and pay attention to the messages the world is mirroring back to us?

“11:11 Mirroring Consciousness” illustrates the introspective significance of the moment; the notion that every experience, relationship, decision, and habit is a mirror. These found moments capture this mirror and freeze space from within consciousness; nothing is constructed. They are subtle, hidden moments that reveal insights, guidance, and answers.

Each image appears as a question, a paradox, a koan: a means to challenge the limits of the analytical mind and engage contemplation. They blur the lines between perception and illusion, darkness and light. Their contrast coupled with silence necessitates a heightened awareness to look deeper inside while witnessing the everyday world around us.