by Joao Bicalho
Staff Writer
When James Pontal, a photographer selling his work outside an art festival, met Tony Ryals, a disabled artist a year-and-a-half ago, he did not know they would soon share the same business space Downtown. Ryals’ paintings and Pontal’s photography would soon become the main ingredients of a successful recipe for an art venue often visited by visitors to the Landing.
“We consider ourselves the true Jacksonville souvenir,” said Pontal, whose Jacksonville-urban art fills the walls of his City Scene Artworks at the Landing.
Pontal’s photography career started when he chose an elective class in black-and-white photography at the University of North Florida. Professor Dominick Martorelli of the school’s Department of Art and Design, pushed the class from day one, he said.
“It got thin pretty quick,” said Pontal, who noticed the number of students dropped fast after the first critique.
The studios inside the UNF photo lab were always busy and Pontal broadened his horizon by taking pictures Downtown. With a large body of work, he started selling his first photographs mounted on small frames and later sold them at a Beach Boulevard flea market. The enterprise proved to be profitable.
“I was there for two months,” said Pontal. “It sold well.”
After meeting Ryals, Pontal was able to branch out and carry his work indoors. They studied the possibilities and the viability for the business and almost two years later, it’s evident why their partnership works.
“We’ve worked well together,” said Pontal who added the co-owners are always helping each other. “When you look out for each other, you have a good partnership.”
Pontal said their work does not compete with each other and added that when one does not do well, the other will bring more to the shop.
“It is very complementary,” said Pontal.
Pontal and Ryals agree that the Landing has something different to offer.
“You don’t saturate too quickly as in other urban areas,” said Pontal who understands that the Landing has the notoriety of a mall blended with a tourist destination, making it perfect for an independent store like theirs.
Feeling a part of the growing community Downtown, Pontal said he always gives preference to businesses in the area.
“I will drive here to use a local service Downtown specifically because they are Downtown,” said Pontal who understands the importance of reciprocating business as a part of a valued neighborhood policy. “I know how important their business is to us.”
Pontal said Jacksonville does not have much of an art market developed on urban images like New York City, for instance. But, his images of Jacksonville tell their own story.
“I can point to my pictures and I can tell that’s why,” said Pontal, of why he lives here.
The photographer pictures himself as another artist who’s just letting his work out and earning his own way through photography.
“It’s not something most people would attempt,” said Pontal.
Ryals, who paints with his mouth due to his disability, said the store has become a family business since his wife and Pontal’s father work there as well. Ryals’ business camaraderie, developed with Pontal since they joined, allows him to call Pontal family, and allows the two to joke around with each other.
“If he puts his camera in his mouth (and take pictures), then I would be impressed,” said Ryals.
356-2466