My Journey

Twenty years ago, I planned my first trip to India. I thought it would be a good idea to take some photography classes so I could take better pictures. I never imagined how much those classes would change my life. Instead of using a simple disposable camera like many do on holiday, I started with a professional one. It took a while, but we eventually became best friends.
Life kept surprising me, pushing me to try new things and see things differently. I found myself always wanting new adventures in different countries. Trying to capture the different stories of people in various countries by framing their expressions visually is immensely fulfilling for me. This hobby excites me with every photograph, in every new land. Each image refines my perspective, teaching me to be more hopeful, more understanding, and less quick to judge.

When I was setting up my website, my nephew Jeff Palachi sent me an email saying: “Thank you and loads of kisses for all the projects you’re doing and all the memories you’re making. They’ll be loved by us and by people in the future.” I want to give my sincere thanks to Jeff, first for summing up so well why I’m doing this website, and secondly, and more importantly, for always being so supportive.

Sara Rodrik
Born: 1949, Istanbul, Turkey

Benim Yolculuğum

Yirmi yıl önce Hindistan’a ilk seyahatimi planladım. Daha iyi fotoğraflar çekebilmek için birkaç fotoğrafçılık dersi almanın iyi bir fikir olacağını düşündüm. Bu derslerin hayatımı ne kadar değiştireceğini hayal bile edemezdim. Birçok kişinin tatilde yaptığı gibi tek kullanımlık basit bir fotoğraf makinesi kullanmak yerine, profesyonel bir fotoğraf makinesiyle başladım. Biraz zaman aldı ama sonunda çok iyi arkadaş olduk.

Hayat beni şaşırtmaya, yeni şeyler denemeye ve her şeyi farklı görmeye itmeye devam etti. Kendimi her zaman farklı ülkelerde yeni maceralar yaşamak isterken buldum. Çeşitli ülkelerdeki insanların farklı hikayelerini, onların ifadelerini görsel olarak çerçeveleyerek yakalamaya çalışmak benim için son derece tatmin edici. Bu hobi her yeni ülkede, her fotoğrafta beni heyecanlandırıyor. Her görüntü bakış açımı geliştiriyor, bana daha umutlu, daha anlayışlı ve daha az yargılayıcı olmayı öğretiyor.

Web sitemi kurarken yeğenim Jeff Palachi bana şöyle bir e-posta gönderdi: “Yaptığın tüm projeler ve yarattığın tüm anılar için teşekkür ediyor ve seni öpüyorum. Bunlar ailemize ve gelecek nesillerimize bırakacağımız harika eserlerdir.” Jeff’e bu web sitesini neden yaptığımı anladığı için ve daha da önemlisi her zaman beni desteklediği için içten teşekkürlerimi sunmak istiyorum.

Sara Rodrik
1949, Istanbul, Türkiye Doğumlu

Exhibitions: Sergileri

2023: 
– Location: Namibia, Africa
– Venue: G-art Galeri, Turkey

2012: Lost City
– Location: Machu Picchu, Peru
– Venue: Sait Halim Paşa Yalısı, Turkey

2009: Living Goddesses
– Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
– Venue: G-ART Gallery, Turkey

2006: Road to Mandalay
– Location: Mandalay, Burma
– Venue: G-ART Gallery, Turkey

Izzet Keribar, Photographer

Rodrik’s mentor, Izzet Keribar, graciously states: “Unquestionably, Sara possesses a remarkable eye… An eye of a great photographer. It’s no wonder her first show of Myanmar pictures experienced such extraordinary success. Throughout subsequent exotic trips, she refined her technique and continued to return with ever-improving images. Photography has never been a fleeting hobby for her but a lifetime occupation. I am confident that Sara’s enthusiasm will persist for many more years and that she will continue to produce exceptional photographs in the future. Exhibitions are commendable; however, they are transient and soon forgotten, whereas a book endures forever… I would like to congratulate Sara for her initiative and the courage to undertake such a project…”

Gülsen Çapa, Owner of G-Art Gallery
Gülsen Çapa remarks, “Beyond being her gallerist, I’ve known Sara Rodrik for many years as a friend. She began as a passionate amateur with an eye for everything around her. Initially, even she didn’t realise that her quest and passion for photography would evolve to this extent. Not very early in her life, Sara embarked on her journey of photography, which swiftly captivated her interest to the point of devotion, and her time. The tangible result of this was evident during her first exhibition at Gallery G-Art, titled “Road to Mandalay”. It surpassed everyone’s expectations, having initially feared it might appear as an amateurish venture. This inaugural exhibition was a truly defining achievement in terms of technical perfection, professional skills, aesthetic competence, and its financial outcome, which she generously donated to MOCEF (Mother Child Education Foundation/ACEV). It was succeeded by a second solo exhibition, “Living Goddess”, at Gallery G-Art, along with several others at various times and locations for specific events, all serving social purposes. We are proud to have hosted Sara Rodrik amongst our team of esteemed contemporary artists and eagerly anticipate her next exhibition.”