Lecturer Rick Tonder has taught black and white photography for the University of North Dakota since 1996. In addition to teaching, he also holds the position of Associate Director of Facility Planning, and is responsible for the physical development of the University. He received his BFA from The University of North Dakota.

Tonder’s intent as a photographer is to convey a sense of appreciation for the northern plains and the people who have lived here. His upcoming plans include a show in the spring or summer of 2007 that will encompass the work of the past five years, followed by a book of the same images. Tonder’s current project is titled Reflections of the Buffalo Commons.

Ringsaker Church (below) is located in the Sheyenne River valley approximately ten miles west of Finley, North Dakota. The church itself is behind the photographer, while the freshly painted gate and archway frames an abandoned township school that probably served as a location for Sunday School and other church related functions at the time. The church structure and fence receive regular maintenance, perhaps from a dedicated member of the congregation who lives nearby. Like many rural schools and churches, the students and congregation have dwindled over the years as a result of out migration and age. Nikon D2X with 17-35mm f 2.8 lens.

Ringsaker Church. 2006. Digital photography.13” x 19”. *

 

Stump Lake Thresher (below) is located on ND Highway 1 approximately fifteen miles south of Lakota, North Dakota. The thresher marks the entrance to the Stump Lake recreational area, which also hosts a pioneer village. The thresher itself is an obsolete type of farming equipment, which has been replaced by the more modern and ubiquitous combine that can be seen throughout North Dakota during grain harvest. The machine of the type in the photograph remained stationary in operation and typically was powered by a separate steam engine. Due in large part to its durable construction, grain threshers now act as prairie monuments that are often displayed by the owners as landmarks and reminders of a golden age in farming. Nikon D2X with 12 - 24 mm f 4 lens.

Stump Lake Thresher. 2006. Digital photography. 13” x 19”. *