A few more quotes from Ray K. Metzker:
“I approach photography in the context of art, as a key to understanding. It is my connection to the world and it functions in two ways: it lets me fly and it grounds me. There are indeed pleasures to working, but it is more of a struggle for purpose.”
— Ray K. Metzker, quoted in Unknown Territory: Photographs of Ray K. Metzker
“Somewhere in development the artist comes to a juncture, with one path emphasizing self-importance and the other leading to passionate concern for ideas. To follow the latter path calls for a divestiture of self, an effacement, a drawing away from egocentricity. One marvels at the thrill of participating, one experiences awe and wonderment at the mystery of seeing the diverse come alive to reveal meanings.”
— Ray K. Metzker, quoted in Unknown Territory: Photographs of Ray K. Metzker
“The artist does not need to follow an event. Instead, he takes what is workable in his system of values and determines his own event, injecting and incorporating visual devices (confusing the space, eliminating detail, introducing ambiguity). The artist looks on objects and sensations as providing the raw material and imposes a scheme upon it.”
— Ray K. Metzker, quoted in Unknown Territory: Photographs of Ray K. Metzker