Chris Verene

     Chris Verene was born in a predominantly white town and began using his camera in his early teenage years.  He began by taking photos of his friends and family.  Some say that he posessed an alternate personality, which he dubbed himself, "The Great Vereni".  He seemed to have unlimited access to an esteemed "camera club" where the lines were blurred between art and erotica.
Vereni's photos were infamous for his depiction of small town relationships.  In a photo of a young woman in her wedding dress, she was accompanied by her groom and her two favorite customers from the local steak house.
     I can really identify with Vereni's style because I grew up in Odessa, and his photos seem to have been taken in one of the hole in the wall bars out in west Odessa, where time seems to cease.
His style seems dark and dreary, depressing yet hopeful, obsessive yet refined.
He also has a heavy interest in assisting the elderly in homes, and improving the living conditions in such nursing homes.