I didn't know Arthur well. But I do remember that where ever he went, he carried a camera around his neck. And I seem to remember he always had at least one hand on that camera - ready to take a picture.
I'm glad that was his passion then and throughout his life.
Since our daughter went to Bates, we heard about Art Fink and saw his work with the dance festival any number of times. Not that we ever saw him. He seemed to keep to himself in much the same way as I recall during our time in campus. He had a knack clearly and like Larry and me, he loved Maine.
I was Arthur's roommate freshman year. He was very diligent about his coursework and kept me awake with midnight typing. Remember when typewriters used to clatter with a machine gun-like staccato? I hadn't seen Arthur until a few years ago when I was at a performance of Alison Chase dance in Portland. Although neither one of us has changed a bit, he didn't recognize me (and I had been alerted that he was the photographer for the event, so was able to prank him....). I struck up a conversation and he mentioned he had gone to Swarthmore so I was able to say "so did I" and watch the spark of recognition light up! Condolences to friends and family, he left a legacy of visual art!
I hope some way can be found to create a retrospective of Arthur's photography. Don't know who are his heirs and/or significant other and who might curate such a broad collection.
This is a great idea. There should be plenty of display space, though security is always an issue.
I have contacted the college to ID the person there who can help set up a program if Arthur's family is agreeable. Absent another contact in Maine, I have the number of the Bates Dance Festival, for which Arthur did much photography and may know what arrangements could be made.
A couple years ago I had a pretty nice camera tripod for sale and put it on Craigslist here in Maine. Arthur answered the ad and I eventually dropped it off at his studio in Portland. He had no idea who I was but vaguely remembered me by name. That said he had a lot of his work displayed in the studio and on the walls of the hallway/entrance. A LOT of dance photos, of course, and I was very impressed. We chatted a little but never kept in touch afterwards. That said, if someone needs some "legwork" here in Maine, I might be able to help. - bill
Like many of you, I did not know Arthur well. But I did know the camera. My memory is of Arthur carrying that thing almost everywhere he went. It is nice to know that someone who knew what he wanted to do in life - even if college, got to live out his dream.
Nancy Bennett
I didn't know Arthur well. But I do remember that where ever he went, he carried a camera around his neck. And I seem to remember he always had at least one hand on that camera - ready to take a picture.
I'm glad that was his passion then and throughout his life.
John C. Mather
https://www.pressherald.com/2021/04/25/noted-peaks-island-photographer-arthur-j-fink-dies-at-74/
Diana Royce (Smith)
Since our daughter went to Bates, we heard about Art Fink and saw his work with the dance festival any number of times. Not that we ever saw him. He seemed to keep to himself in much the same way as I recall during our time in campus. He had a knack clearly and like Larry and me, he loved Maine.
Richard L. Gregor
I was Arthur's roommate freshman year. He was very diligent about his coursework and kept me awake with midnight typing. Remember when typewriters used to clatter with a machine gun-like staccato? I hadn't seen Arthur until a few years ago when I was at a performance of Alison Chase dance in Portland. Although neither one of us has changed a bit, he didn't recognize me (and I had been alerted that he was the photographer for the event, so was able to prank him....). I struck up a conversation and he mentioned he had gone to Swarthmore so I was able to say "so did I" and watch the spark of recognition light up! Condolences to friends and family, he left a legacy of visual art!
Christopher L. King
I hope some way can be found to create a retrospective of Arthur's photography. Don't know who are his heirs and/or significant other and who might curate such a broad collection.
Robert E. Bartkus
This is a great idea. There should be plenty of display space, though security is always an issue.
I have contacted the college to ID the person there who can help set up a program if Arthur's family is agreeable. Absent another contact in Maine, I have the number of the Bates Dance Festival, for which Arthur did much photography and may know what arrangements could be made.
S. William Olson
A couple years ago I had a pretty nice camera tripod for sale and put it on Craigslist here in Maine. Arthur answered the ad and I eventually dropped it off at his studio in Portland. He had no idea who I was but vaguely remembered me by name. That said he had a lot of his work displayed in the studio and on the walls of the hallway/entrance. A LOT of dance photos, of course, and I was very impressed. We chatted a little but never kept in touch afterwards. That said, if someone needs some "legwork" here in Maine, I might be able to help. - bill
Harold J. Kwalwasser
Like many of you, I did not know Arthur well. But I did know the camera. My memory is of Arthur carrying that thing almost everywhere he went. It is nice to know that someone who knew what he wanted to do in life - even if college, got to live out his dream.