Shelly Rusten

Born 1938, Boston, Mass. Began Artist life as Jazz Drummer in the 50s arriving in NYC in 65 as a pioneer of the Jazz Avant Garde. Got into Photography in 65 specializing in Editorial work and by 1970 I had already been published by almost every Publisher and Magazine in America. My major Media success was the making of the image of 'The Crowd at Woodstock 1969' made famous by Warner Bros as centerpiece of their Ads and Posters for the Movie. Studied with Lisette Model at the New School in 1970 and began teaching there myself soon after and then at the School of Visual Arts for 8 years until 1985. Received Major Grant from the NYS Council of the Arts in 89 for my long term study of the area where I make my home entitled 'Rural Considerations', images from this work also accepted to the MOMA Collection in 1993 In my opinion Photography finds its highest Power in its ability to faithfully Document the Reality of our Lives and Environment, both physically and Culturally. Human Beings may 'Lie' and even use a Camera to do so, but otherwise a Camera is just a Dumb Machine to which the Vices and Failings of Humans cannot be attributed.

BA, Boston University 1960, Psychology, Philosophy and Literature. Formal Study of Photography with Lisette Model, otherwise primarily self taught. Exhibited widely in Solo and Group Shows in the NY area from 67 to the present. Recipient of 'Supported Work' Grant from NY State Council on the Arts in 1989. Work accepted to Collection of Museum of Modern Art in 1993.