(photo by Luke Copping)

Get to know a Buffalonian...

Nate Peracciny: Photographer/Videographer

This week, Nate Peracciny’s photographs became the inaugural exhibition at a new gallery created by impresario Mark Goldman behind his restaurant, Allen Street Hardware. The exhibit, called People and Things I Shot Today, has the documentary bent that the title suggests: street scenes and portraits that evoke Buffalo and its communities of artists. The exhibit doubles as a fundraiser: Peracciny, who also shoots the Nickel City Chef cooking competitions, among other activities, hopes that sales of his artwork will underwrite an upcoming trip to do humanitarian work with a group called Jesse’s Children.

Tell us a little about Jesse’s Children.

Jesse’s Children orginally began in 1988 in Florida. Dr. Bill and Mrs. Dawn Maher formed the Western New York Chapter in 1990. For 21 years Jesse’s Children has been providing dental, medical, optometry care, clean water well programs, air lifts of medical/hospital/dental and educational supplies, and micro-lending for women. I became involved in the group through Krista Van Wagner of Curly’s Grill.

What sort of work will you do in the Dominican Republic?

I will be documenting the trip and telling the story of the group through photography and videoography. I will also assist with medical care whenever needed. I am ready to get my hands dirty.

How can people help out?

I need help with acquiring new equipment and travel expenses. Right now everything is 100 percent out of pocket. My photo exhibit People and Things I Shot Today is a fundraiser for my role in the trip. If anyone would like to help out he or she can buy a piece of my artwork on display or email me at info@peracciny.com.

What stories are you looking to tell with your photos?

I like capturing moments that evoke some level of an emotional response with viewers. My main goal is to get people thinking and feeling. I take a lot of photos in Allentown because I live down there. Details, composition, and the human condition are very important to me.

Who are your photographic heroes?

My street/documentary photographer heroes are Milton Rogovin (RIP), Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Vivan Maier. Vivan Maier’s story is amazing; check it out: vivianmaier.blogspot.com. As for commercial photography, Luke Copping can shoot and edit anything. The guy is willing to help out or offer sound advice to others without hesitation. To me that is a true hero—someone who has talent, drive, and is willing to give back to his or her creative community.

As for humanitarians, I am really inspired by the (RED) project: www.joinred.com. The (RED) project uses innovative and relevant marketing and media to fight AIDS and spread awareness.

Final thoughts?

Everything I do involves a creative collaboration. I would like to say thank you to my friends, family, and creative partners for their support. Specifically, I would like to thank Avenue Art Frame, Allen Street Hardware, Mark Goldman, Heather Mordaunt, Kelly DiDomenico, Scotty Bye, and Danielle Maibohm for their support with this event.