Visibly Talented Invisible Photographer
Harbor Pointe resident Charles Marut is another shining example of the brilliant talent residing in
the Community of Harbor Bay Isle. An international photographer, Charles usually takes one trip
abroad per year. In 2004 he went on a three week Sierra Club scouting expedition through China.
Fortunately for us, he has agreed to share his spectacular photographs of the journey.
Charles has been a taking photographs since the early seventies and was trained to work with
film and develop it in the darkroom. He says that although film exposure does allow for more
detail, he’s delighted that he doesn’t have to hassle with developing film any longer now that we
have digital cameras. Personally, I can’t imagine there being more detail possible in his images,
for they are positively captivating.
Charles has beautifully captured how the various ethnic groups of China live. From rural villages
to modern cities, the images portray contemporary one-child families in Shanghai; log homes of
the Dong people in the timber-region of Diping; and monks of Guiyang, just to name a few. He
also took a series of breath-taking photos of the Miao, or Hmong, people as well (see below and
page 2).
When pressed about the technique he used for the cover shot (Don’t those girls know he’s taking
their picture?), Charles spells it out: invisibility. That is the signature of a good travel
photographer— to be observant, but not obvious. For Charles, just going outside with the camera
is a pleasant experience; he’s not disappointed if he doesn’t take any pictures. He usually doesn’t
have any particular ideas in mind either; he just keeps an open mind, looks for the light, and sees
if there’s anything going on. Well, one visit to Charles’s web site at www.pbase.com/cmarut
proves that there’s plenty going on. From the Indian Himalayas, to the Yokohama skyline, to the
Costa Rican Gaudy leaf frog, Charles’s web site is a must-see, an unbelievably rare treat that will
intrigue and keep you entertained for hours, guaranteed. (Did I mention the fractals? You’ve
really got to see this site.)
The Community of Harbor Bay Isle is pleased to host an Art Show and Wine Reception on June
21 at 7 pm at the Community Offices where you can meet our featured artist and view more of
his incredible photographs of China. We look forward to seeing you there to welcome this very
gifted resident