Gritty yet refined. Famously humble. Humbly famous. Kind. Caring. Compassionate. Ian Ruhter is all of this and so much more. And his remarkable photos show his big heart and soul. His Opening Reception at LTCC’s Haldan Gallery was packed with locals and other fans who came from far and wide (Poland!) to see his incredible exhibit, 15 years in the making, The Lake. Ian was there to sign his newly published book, also titled The Lake. He graciously signed the two books that I purchased and agreed to talk with me a few days later for this story.
After a candid conversation on the phone, reading the poignant tribute letter at the end of his book, and texting with my friend Chelsea, his first cousin, and lastly going down the rabbit hole of his Instagram reels, I feel like I know this man a little bit. So I’m feeling very hip and cool to be connected to him. By the way, he’s a true Tahoe local.
But so many of his complex techniques and technical methods are over my head. I had to look up the definition of Alchemy, and Paulo Coelho’s 1988 novel “The Alchemist”, the book that greatly inspired Ian in his trajectory to huge success in the international world of photography and art. And what a complicated road he has traveled, from struggling with dyslexia as a youth, which caused him to feel outcast and an outlier, to becoming a professional snowboarder, where he found freedom from judgment in the winter wonderland of Lake Tahoe. But then it was a photography class at LTCC that changed the course of his life.
He found a new passion in photographing the action sports scene, becoming the senior photographer for Vans and Transworld Snowboarding Magazine. This career move took him to L.A., where he thrived in editorial and advertising work. But he became disenchanted with the digital alteration of photographs. He was compelled to risk his career and livelihood for a new (old) 19th-century photographic process of wet plate collodion. The hologram-like qualities of the final product are incredible, and for him, the process is akin to a religious experience. His idea of using a box truck with a massive lens mounted on the back end as a camera was born, in spite of being told it was likely an impossible task. The inside of the truck would even double as the darkroom needed for the preparation of the plates themselves. Like I said, this is way over my head. And I’m not the only one. In talking with Ian, he admits that most people cannot understand the methods to his madness and, let’s face it, his genius. He made it clear that he wants his art, and all art, to be accessible to everyone. While his international exhibits draw in the wealthy collectors, he strives to invite the general public, as he is doing with this fabulous exhibit at LTCC. He was not being condescending when he said it would be very hard for the community members of South Lake Tahoe to ever visit one of his shows, in Europe, the United Arab Emirates, or New York; his works hang in museums, and documentaries have been made of his success.
And so to give thanks back to the school and teacher that changed his life, he welcomes the people of South Lake Tahoe and beyond to visit his show and purchase his beautiful book. The first 2,000 books sold quickly, and he has just ordered more.
Wait until you hear about his upcoming second book – 12 years in the making, and it is sensitive but timely subject matter. He self-publishes his books, which is very expensive, so please visit the Haldan before December 11. He appreciates your support! Great holiday gifts, including t-shirts and more.
Haldan Gallery Hours
Monday-Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Saturdays
Instagram: Ian_Ruhter
Artfully yours,
Michelle Gomez
Tahoe Art League
