July Artist of the Month: George "Rusty" Locke

   George "Rusty" Locke became interested in photography some fifty odd years ago while serving in the U.S Army in South Korea as a journalist and combat photographer with the First Cavalry Division.

 "There was hardly any combat, frankly", Rusty said with a smile, "And the only photos I took were of visiting congressman, and generals representing the various countries who lent their military presence to the Republic of South Korea."

  Rusty continued his military service when he left the "Land of the Morning Calm" and was sent to New Mexico where he wrote, produced and directed many Army pubic service spots and radio programs highlighting the Army’s mission statement in the Southwest. When he left the service, he continued to work in radio in New Hampshire,and worked for several stations here  in the Lakes Region.

He was born and raised in the Granite State and will be seventy-six this December. Except for a few years in  southern Vermont, he has always lived here,  "There is a certain sturdiness in this state. A  timeless history that winks at you through the maples and stone walls." he said, "This is where I began to appreciate and tried to capture the beauty of New Hampshire - not with a standard camera but with my iphone."

"I’m not anybody special. If you have a phone that takes pictures you probably already have many shots of our lakes and mountains." He added that many camera phones have built in editing devices that can enhance many of your photos, Rusty and his wife Rose ( this July they are celebrating their 36th wedding anniversary) have five children (one works at the Meredith Library and is known as "Mr. John") and he also has four kids from a previous marriage and five grandchildren, Rusty's pictures will be on display through the month of July at the Meredith Town Library.