John Mollura received the opportunity of a lifetime— a trip to Antarctica and an art show to follow.
Mollura is a test engineer at ILC in Dover, Del. and was chosen for the United States Antarctic Program in 2008.
The United States Antarctic Program is an organization of the government that coordinates research in the continent of Antarctica. According to USAP, the goal of the program is to “…to expand fundamental knowledge of the region, to foster research on global and regional problems of current scientific importance, and to use the region as a platform or base from which to support research.”
Mollura described Antarctica as rugged and gritty with crushed volcanic rock for soil, making it a nice analogy to what would be on the Moon and Mars.
George T. Vince Memorial at Scott’s Discovery Hut
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Before embarking on his trip, Mollura decided to grab his first generation Nikon DSLR and the two lenses that came with it. At the time, Antarctica received 24 hours of sunlight—Mollura had to adjust to the new climate and find something to do with his time.
“My roommate in Antarctica was real outdoorsy and also an amateur photographer,” Mollura said. “We would work 12 hour days and then hike or rock climb until 2 a.m. The experience in Antarctica was like a college campus crossed with a mining town.”
While hiking and rock climbing, Mollura was able to capture the beauty of the continent.
“99% of the shots were with the original lenses…people seem to get caught up in the specifics of cameras but if you can get the shot, you can get the shot,” Mollura said.
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About a year and a half ago, Mollura decided he needed to experience more art in his life and grew more serious with photography which is why he joined the Mispillion Art League. Next step, he started his own business.
“I started my photography business on the side because people wanted to give me money for my work,” Mollura laughed. “I had to decide what I wanted to do. I had shot concerts, people on the beach and landscapes but I knew I loved traveling and exploring the beautiful world that we have here.”
When Mollura returned from his trip with USAP, he shared his work with the Mispillion Art League and entertained the idea of an art show.
On Saturday, Feb. 27, at 5:30 p.m., Mollura will be sharing photographs and stories from his trip during ‘A Winter’s Tale’ art show at the Mispillion Art League in Milford, Del.
“I want to inspire people to go out there, even if it’s not Antarctica. There’s so much beauty if you look out your door and change your perspective,” Mollura said. “If you look at things from a different point of view, you can totally change your outlook. Photography is my platform.”
This free and open to the public presentation will be followed with a reception and the chance to Meet & Greet with the artists of the show, John Mollura and ‘Featured Artist’ Gervasio Ruiz Jr.
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