RALEIGH -- In the Independent (IndyWeek) a few days ago, I saw that some Burk Uzzle photos were hanging in Flanders Gallery down in Raleigh’s warehouse district. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know the gallery was there, but figured to get by there this week for a peek. Passed by at lunch (much later than my usual time due to a meeting) and slowed to see the hours. I found the doors open (it was  gorgeous day here) and a parking space open across the street.

The lady said they were not normally open on Mondays, but that she was waiting for the artist to drop by to look at things. I told her I had enjoyed Uzzle’s photos for years and asked if it was a bad time to be there. “No,” she said, “It’s fine.” Her cell phone rang, and after a short conversation, she told me, “Your timing is good, he’ll be here in a minute.”

The show is interesting with much of his current work which is being shot on an old Sinar 8X10. He’s using new lenses. That work is mostly portraits shot in his warehouse studio in Wilson, NC. The introductory part of the exhibit features his coverage of Martin Luther King’s funeral. The juxtaposition is really quite comfortable.

Uzzle is from North Carolina and began his career at the News and Observer here in Raleigh. He was the youngest photographer ever put under contract by Life Magazine. He shot for Black Star and Magnum, serving as Magnum president 1979-1980.

You may know him for his photograph on the cover of the Woodstock album (the couple hugging under the blanket). His books include All American and Landscapes and Just Add Water.

He was very generous with his time. I wish I were prepared enough to make better use of his time.

Three photos are here.