Steidlville

Judith Joy Ross’s most recent work is a series of photographs of people in Pennsylvania protesting the war in Iraq, the majority of which were taken at a protest called “Eyes Wide Open”, organized by the Quaker community.
Whether photographing residents of working-class in Freeland, Pa., former Ugandan child soldiers in New York City’s Washington Square Park, or anti-war protestors, Ross’s photographs reveal her distinct vision of people and place and the ensuing story each captured image reveals. The personal connection Ross is able to forge with her subjects is unmistakable and results in pictures that are sensitive reflections of both empowerment and vulnerability. With the remarkable ability to transcend socio-economic boundaries with ease, Ross creates touching portraits characterized by their candor, naturalism, and fidelity to each subject’s sense of self. They are revelations not only of individuals, but humanity at-large.