Review by curator Michael Kirchoff:
"Kent Krugh’s photograph, Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis_cardinalis), is a blending of art and science that appeals to me on a deeper level for reminding me of some of my childhood curiosities. In fact, geology and paleontology were thought of as early career goals for me, before the lure of the camera and darkroom swayed me and took hold permanently. It was this reminder that immediately drew me in early in the process of finding a favorite among the plethora of amazing images submitted for this competition. Krugh’s image has the qualities and aesthetics inherent of an individual who seamlessly blends careers and blurs lines.

There is a lot to study in a photograph like this, much as if it were to be used in classroom study, but from a perspective of beauty and grace. With all of the different and varied species of birds in this world, it is clear that this approach towards the natural environment lends itself to an ongoing series, which I am curious about as well. The graphic nature seen in the composition of the image also has overtones of a religious nature, which only heightens the curiosity of the photograph. While all is laid bare in this image, it is still the air of mystery that captures my attention most of all. I will be looking for more to find the answers to these secrets, this I know, as my childhood curiosity has come roaring back."

Michael Kirchoff asks, "The winning image, Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis_cardinalis), has all of the elements born from a creator who is fully steeped in science as well as the arts. Is this indeed your background, and what drew you to creating this particular work?"


Kent Krugh says, "I am a practicing Medical Physicist working in a hospital based Radiation Oncology center.  We treat cancer patients with radiation. One part of my job is to calibrate and perform quality assurance procedures on the linear accelerators that produce the radiation that treats the patients. For the past ten years I have been using x-rays to make art.  First dolls, then cameras, and last year birds and other objects found in nature.  Actually, I X-ray anything that seems interesting to me and fits on a few pieces of film or the digital imager."

Kirchoff says, "Is this photograph from a body of work that is finished or ongoing? Are there any limitations to how or where you document the different species?"

Krugh says, "This piece, Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis_cardinalis), is a composite of a photograph and an x-ray.  It is part of a small series, Aviary X, of a dozen birds.  The series, for the most part, is finished."

Kirchoff says, "What was the spark of inspiration you had in beginning this work? Was it based upon a curiosity of the natural environment, or something more personal?"

Krugh says, "One day in December 2018 I heard a loud "thunk" coming from my deck.  A cardinal had slammed into the glass patio door and died.  I picked up the bird, still warm, and admired it's beauty.  I wondered what an X-ray would look like so I took it to work the next day.  I also photographed the bird in my studio.  So my inspiration was curiosity fueled by a love of all things natural.  The x-rays of the birds were surprisingly diminutive.  They are mostly feathers.  Not surprising when one marvels and considers how effortlessly they defy gravity and fly."

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