(Long Island, NY) This month I had the chance to visit the oldest winery and had the opportunity to interview one of the most famous photographers on the North Fork of Long Island.
Chosen as the Best Winery in Long Island and presented with the Editor’s Choice Award by Long Island Press as the premier vineyard and winery on Long Island, Borghese Vineyard in Cutchogue North Fork has the oldest vines producing the finest wines in this winemaking region. At the Borghese Winery their philosophy is “A good wine is first made in the field”, so they tend to their vines and soil with great care. Pinot Noir & Sauvignon Blanc are their signature wines, along with many award winners including Meritage and Chardonnay.
Beginning in 1999, the first vineyard on the North Fork has been under the nurturing supervision of Prince Marco and Princess Ann Marie Borghese, who have significantly renamed it Castello di Borghese — Castle of the Borgheses. The 2003 season marked the 30th anniversary of this founding vineyard of the Long Island wine industry. Ann Marie and Marco continue to apply new levels of energy, watching the vineyard evolve graciously under their stewardship.
Prince Marco Borghese, Cognac Wellerlane and Photographer Jake Rajs – Photography by Michael Wellbrock
This elegant vineyard is the perfect setting for Local artist and internationally acclaimed photographer Jake Rajs to presently display his collection of images from his new book, “Between Sea and Sky, Landscapes of the North Fork” until December 1, 2007. I had a chance to chat with Jake about his famous photographs and his passion for capturing the perfect image.
What inspired you to publish “Between Sea and Sky Landscapes of the North Fork?”
Jake Rajs: The light on the North Fork and it’s a peninsula, water almost everywhere which has a unique quality of light. It also has a rural quality. You are close to the city but you have farm people living off the land. Those two combinations inspired me to publish the book.
Are you strictly a photographer or do you paint as well?
Photography Exhibit Jake Rajs “Between Sea and Sky Landscapes of Long Island’s North Fork” at Castello di Borghese Winery
Jake Rajs:I use to paint a long time ago but I strictly am a photographer now.
What made you decide to predominately do photography?
Jake Rajs: I like the relationship with the outside world. When I was painting in the studios I was always indoors. I like to be part of world meeting people, traveling that excites me the most. I saw a book of poems and photographs, and thought what a great idea. So I got myself a camera. The poetry wasn’t as good as the photography. I found I could say it better without words. Artists use a different vehicle to express themselves. For me, it’s the camera.
Where has your photography taken you?
Jake Rajs: Almost all the continents of the world, Egypt, Istanbul, Kenya, Hong Kong, Indonesia.
Is there a favorite place you love to photograph?
Jake Rajs: The United States. I was born in Poland and later on moved to Israel and then my family decided to come to the United States when I was eight years old. My father came first, while we were in Israel, maybe it’s my childhood memory talking, but we came on a ship. It took two weeks, and then we arrived in New York harbor. We were all on deck, it was nighttime, and we saw the Statue of Liberty and everyone’s crying, I’m crying. Then, early in the morning, we were watching the sun hit the skyline, and everything turns golden. People came for their dreams.
Photographer Jake Rajs has traveled across the world and throughout the United States, capturing the image and spirit of place. His creations have appeared in National Geographic books, Life, and Travel and Leisure.
Since his early inception into the world of art, Jake has published thirteen books, one focusing on New York City that came out in 1985 to “These United States”, an enormous limited edition coffee table book with an introduction by Walter Cronkite. it was partly because of that collection, published by Rizzoli in 2003, that Jake was selected as “Best Observer” in Reader’s Digest special issue featuring America’s 100 Best.
Over the years, Jake has focused on New York City and the United States, clocking by his own estimation a million miles criss-crossing the nation. “You should focus on something you know and you care about. It is my sincerest hope that my images go beyond mere representation to communicate emotionally and spiritually.” His 1990 “AMERICA” published by Rizzoli, introduction by James Michener was chosen by Gene Shalit of NBC as one of the best picture books of 1990. Currently in its 4th printing with over 150,000 copies sold. It also has been published in German and French editions.
Rajs dedication to his work serves a greater purpose, “My motivation is to help humanity, by showing beauty or giving another perspective on whatever subject I’ve chosen. I get to express myself and have fun along the way.”
For more information about world renowned photographer Jake Rajs please visit his website www.jakeraj.com and to learn more about the oldest vineyard on the North Fork Castello di Borghese Winery please visit www.castellodiborghese.com
