CARDBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY - Rogie Vachon

I once read an article justifying sportscards as 'art'. The argument was that because it exists (yielding anything as 'art') and because it evokes an emotional response, it is art.

While I enjoy the artistic elements of all the cards I have (good or bad), there are some cards that create a greater sense of 'art' for me.

There are some sets that emulate the feeling of a painted picture. The team checklist subsets from early Upper Deck releases, UD Artistic Impressions, and my favorite UD Masterpieces.

2008/09 Upper Deck Masterpieces
#70 Rogie Vachon brown border

To start, the card design itself gives one the feeling of art. A canvas textured picture within a nicely framed matte border, this card is one of a plethora of cards from this set that really makes me stop and appreciate the 'art'.

What I like about this Vachon is that the 1970's era is one of my favorites for photography. The jerseys, the equipment (LOVE the fibregalss mask) and the simplicity of the composition. No advertisements plastered on the boards, no busy background filled with fans, just the simple capturing of the player as he plays his game.

This Vachon photos was one of my favorites years ago and when Upper Deck chose it for their Masterpieces release, I was awestruck by how cool it looks. Vachon's eyes just pierce through his mask. The purple and gold of those vintage crown jerseys are a favorite of many - myself included. The simple action of Rogie playing the puck creates something more than if he were just posing in the net, warming up or taking a sip of water.

I believe art should make one stop, appreciate and enjoy. That's exactly what this card does for me.