statement
<span class="text"><font color="#333333" class="text"> <p><img width="300" height="225" alt="" src="/users/JakeRajs382/Image//jake-press-Small_web.jpg" /><br /> <br /> Though he had toyed with other media, such as painting and sculpture, and even identified himself as a poet for a while, there was another form of creative expression out there for Jake Rajs. "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." <br /> <br /> Once he found his tool, he then worked on building his experience. After graduating from Rutgers with a B.A. in Studio Art, Jake began by assisting other photographers in New York City and also by pounding on pavement and doors. " I got my first assignment, and then another, then people just started buying my work."<br /> <br /> Since those humble beginnings, Jake has published fourteen books, from 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. In fact, it was in part 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. <br /> <br /> Rajs was born in Poland and moved to Israel before coming to Brooklyn at age eight. "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 see 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."<br /> <br /> 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."<br /> <br /> For his part, Rajs feels 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.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p></font></span><br>
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