Photographs Courtesy of Maureen Pramanik
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You would never guess after meeting Gilroy resident Maureen Pramanik that the fast-paced and hectic world of the stock market is one of her main passions in life , but you ’ d be wrong .
In 1986 Pramanik graduated from
Rutgers University . Soon after she immersed herself in the world of foreign currencies , working on the floor of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange , which , considering Pramanik ’ s soft-spoken nature and almost shy demeanor makes her quite an enigma .
“ That job was my favorite of all favorites ,” Pramanik said smiling . “ You had to really be up on basically the news of the world .”
Pramanik may have remained on the East Coast , caught up in the world of foreign exchange , but after meeting and marrying Debashis Pramanik more than twenty years ago , the couple moved across the United States and chose California to establish their new home .
After settling in Gilroy , the Pramanik family grew by one ; their son Will was born 14 years ago . With his birth came the catalyst for Pramanik ’ s second passion in life , photography , providing her a creative way of documenting Will ’ s early years . Debashis , already a photography enthusiast , became his wife ’ s tutor and schooled Pramanik on the technical aspects of digital photography .
“ I tend to be a visual person , and it just kind of put that all together ,” Pramanik said , adding , “ It was somewhat of an artistic outlet , first of all , and I just enjoy taking pictures .”
Over the next few years , with her son as the main subject of her photos , Pramanik perfected her newfound talent . When Will reached second grade , the Pramanik ’ s decided a change of venue would be good for their son , and Will was enrolled at Mount Madonna School ( MMS ). As it turned out , the new school venue also provided Pramanik an audience for her talent .
“ Within weeks of joining the school Maureen started taking photographs of special occasions , and sharing them with the school office ,” Lara Kilpatrick , former Director of Admissions at Mount Madonna , said .
“ She soon became a regular MMS parent photographer , donating her time and energy , capturing intimate moments in the lives of the students in school performing arts productions , winter concerts , class projects , and special gatherings .”
Leigh Ann Clifton , current Director of Marketing and Communications at MMS , noticed Pramanik right away when she came to the school over six years ago . “ She always had a camera , and she was always taking photos ,” Clifton said . “ I realized , almost immediately , when I saw her photos , she ’ s got a huge talent .”
Mount Madonna ’ s numerous annual theatrical performances became a pet project for Pramanik , as she made every effort , every year , to capture photos of every student , in every production .
“ She always made a point of getting images of each and every student , whenever possible ,” Kilpatrick said , adding , “ This made all the students feel special , noticed , appreciated .”
Pramanik admits photographing live action is quite a challenge .
“ During the plays you only have a fleeting moment , and whatever you get , you get .”
But for Pramanik , the enjoyment of her passion far outweighs the challenges , no matter what the subject matter , and her most successful photos , the ones she grudgingly admits are good , are those that capture true emotion .
“ It ’ s very satisfying , you feel like you captured the essence of who that person is , at that moment ,” Pramanik said . “ When the person is being more genuine , I guess that ’ s how I base whether it ’ s a good photograph or not , it ’ s my personal barometer .”
Pramanik ’ s artistic interests also include sketching , and one evening a week she hosts a meet-up group at First Street Coffee to do just that .
“ It does seem like a natural development from sketching to photography , they ’ re very much related , they ’ re both very visual , you end up with a picture ,” Pramanik said .
Although Will has moved on from Mount Madonna to Christopher High , Pramanik has every intention to continue her involvement , as well as her contributions , to the school , the staff , and the students , who embraced her talent , her dedication , and her selflessness . And there is no doubt that her efforts will continue to be appreciated .
“ Photos that she ’ s taken years ago , are still being used in some ways , and we will be using her photos for a long time ,” Clifton said .
As an alumni parent , and former administrator at MMS , Kilpatrick said she ’ ll remain deeply thankful to Maureen Pramanik “ for her unique eye into the soul of the individual , her photographic excellence , and her exceptionally giving spirit .”
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017 gmhtoday . com
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