High-quality professional work, a passion for their respective crafts, and a commitment to the continued development of the fine arts in Asheville are just a few of the things photographer Steve Mann and fine art printer Rocky Kenworthy have in common.
As of this summer, the two are also working together in a two thousand square-foot studio in the Riverside Business Park in North Asheville. Though owning and operating separate businesses, (Black Box Photography is owned by Steve, Dot Editions is owned by Rocky) the two collaborate to provide Asheville artists with the best possible services from digital captures to fine art pigment prints.
The setup couldn’t be better for area artists. Whether the project entails gearing up for an exhibition, creating a portfolio, and/or archiving a body of work or individual pieces, artwork in the hands of these two men is guaranteed to receive the personal attention it deserves. With nearly forty years of experience between the two, having evolved alongside rapidly growing industries based on photographic and printing technologies, the two are well suited to engage with the artistic community of Asheville.
Dot Editions was established in 2005 in New York City, and for the past decade Rocky Kenworthy has worked with a demanding and eclectic array of national and international artists printing for exhibitions, portfolios, unique art books and reproductions. Moving with his family from New York to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, Rocky has continued to work with his New York clients while establishing himself as an experienced fine art printer in his new community.
The leading characteristic of his work is his steadfast attention to detail, from digital imaging to the packaging of final prints. He perceives his studio as an extension of his clients’, whereupon an exchange of ideas and a continuation of the artistic process can fluidly develop. Post-production imaging services include digital imaging/retouching, proofing, fine art pigment prints on a wide variety of papers, mounting, stretching, and museum-quality custom framing.
Along with a comprehensive list of services, Rocky provides his clients with a wealth of knowledge stemming from his experience in the industry. To this point Rocky states, “Having lived in New York City for 25 years, working with some of the most highly respected photographers and artists, I’ve come to recognize the absolute need for perfection. There is no gray area. It’s either right or wrong. I feel very fortunate to have found locals to work with who truly have an appreciation of the craft and the same attention to detail that I have.”
Rocky approaches the studio as a collective experience, working alongside his staff and clients as a colleague, looking at each new interaction as an opportunity to learn. Local brothers John and Ben Nixon have been a significant component of Dot Editions, both having a strong background in the arts and artistic passions of their own. Having spent the last decade in California, Ben is excited to be on board with Dot Editions and thrilled with the selection and availability of local hardwoods with which to craft his custom frames.
Local artist Steve Mann first started Black Box Photography 14 years ago, and has since worked with nearly three hundred Asheville area artists in producing some of the finest digital captures available. Steve has collaborated with artists working in a number of mediums, including ceramics, glass, wood, fiber, jewelry and two-dimensional works. In addition to his studio space in the Riverside Business Park, he also works on location, visiting sites such as Asheville’s downtown galleries and the Penland School of Crafts.
Steve’s fine-tuned captures have been used by artists for graduate school applications, juried exhibitions, ZAPPlication submissions, publications and fine art reproductions. Chances are good, if you’ve looked through any of Asheville’s weekly or monthly publications, you’ve seen first-hand a bit of Steve’s work. With a mastery of lighting and background effects, Steve utilizes his medium format digital camera to allow artists to see their work, properly, on the digital screen.
Over the 25 years Steve has been involved with photographing artwork, he also had the opportunity to work with Lark Books on over fifty of their book projects. In addition to his busy schedule with Black Box, he finds time to teach photography to craft students at Haywood Community College. Steve’s exposure to the Asheville art community is perhaps unsurpassed, and his personable ways and dedication to his craft are sure to keep him involved for years to come.
Dot Editions and Black Box Photography work with the finest equipment available, and more importantly, work with a professional integrity that is consistently displayed in their work. The shared studio is a unique one-stop shop for Asheville artists from capture to final print. Both owners are always up for a good laugh as well, which makes working with them, no matter which side of the studio you’re on, a true pleasure.
If You Go: Rocky and Steve will be hosting an Open Studio on Friday, November 14, beginning at 5 p.m., and Saturday, November 15 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Put the dates on your calendar and take the opportunity to come meet Steve and Rocky and partake in food and beverages.
Black Box Photography and Dot Editions
2004 Riverside Drive, Unit W, Asheville
828-275-7028
www.blackboxphoto.info, www.doteditions.com
