Masks, we all have at least one. We wear them in our day to day lives hiding our true selves. The reasons? Our job may require it, to be strong for someone else, perhaps it helps us feel more confident… or maybe you are just a psychopath. Whatever the reason, it is not any less valid than the other. Masks are not always bad, sometimes, necessary. There are times however where we are completely vulnerable. No masks. A passion completely
envelopes us causing us to lose ourselves for the moment. It is in these moments where photographer Mary Catherine Rollo (rAH-low) will be, capturing your essence. Rollo says “where the veil is absent, that’s where I am.”
Born in Japan, M.C. Rollo moved to Shreveport, Louisiana as a child. It wasn’t until as a young adult working for a radio station in St. Louis did she find photography. An engineer at this same radio station was in desperate need of a computer part and the cash to acquire it so he decided to sell his cameras. The buyer, M.C. Rollo. As the new owner of a twin lens Rolleiflex and a 35mm Nikkormat (known today as Nikon) she began practicing taking photographs around the radio station. “I really didn’t know what I was doing but I was in my rock-n-roll t-shirts and blue jeans with safety pins down the legs and I was going out to photograph bands and the concerts.” White stretch limousines from the affordable limousine services in Mesa were being sent for her to document musicians such as Bob Seger or Manfred Mann. She even spent an evening with Beatle John Lennon. Luckily she was a natural.
During this time M.C. Rollo made her way through seven cities in seven years. Along the way she became a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and received professional training at the Winona School of Photography. While in Philadelphia on a mundane drive to work, Rollo pulled her car over on a hillside where she could see an entire row of houses. As the sun rose the light shifted creating an “overwhelming energy” that sparked her curiosity and revealed to her a new way to see the world. “It was no longer intimidating.” “Just from being curious I have learned so much.” This renewed curiosity ultimately led her back to Shreveport in 1988.
After being back in Shreveport for several years Rollo had to put her camera down. “I was using my body as a pack mule for so many years.” Physically unable to shoot photography she had to find a new path. “I tend to look at things as an opportunity.” Rollo began learn about the human body and became a licensed massage therapist. Not only did she learn how to heal others, but also herself. Once again able to pick up a camera, Rollo decided to
embrace the world of digital photography.
Since returning to photography Rollo has worked with musicians such as Cole Vosbury and bands Airheart and Hwy. Lions to name a few. Working with the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and Unscene has given Rollo accelerated exposure. Her work can be easily recognized around town and in social media. “Shreveport is a creative buffet to be celebrated and it is a privilege to be a part of it.”
It is her curious approach of being present with the scene that distinguishes her art. We can see authenticity in the images, a subject’s unguarded self captured in a fraction of a second. “I was once told because of a photo I took, they gained respect for themselves.” It is elegant documentation. To see more of Mary Catherine Rollo’s work visit www.mcrollo.com.