The ArtsEye Gallery will be holding a reception for “”A Fortunate Life,”” a photography exhibit composed of select pieces from the lifework of Harold H. Jones, on Feb. 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Jones may be best known within the UA community as the first director of the Center for Creative Photography and a longtime faculty member within the arts department. He has also had a successful career producing print photographs, photo drawings and paintings which have been displayed in national and international galleries.

While some photographers focus on consistent subjects within their work, Jones’s theme goes beyond the subjects of his photographs.

“”One part of my work is about storytelling. The other part is about the nature of light,”” Jones said.

He used to destroy the photographs that failed to meet his standards, but later developed a way to pull the story out of the photo by altering the print, forming a photo drawing.

Jones’ photo drawings, in particular, represent his innovation as an artist. To create a photo drawing, Jones took a photograph and applied different artistic mediums to the surface of the print. The results yield a visible physical texture which can be enhanced by the wall or surface on which the drawing is displayed.

“”I use acrylic paint, pens or sandpaper most often. I think I might have been the first person to use sandpaper,”” Jones said.

The ArtsEye Gallery hosts an online space as well as a physical space within Photographic Works. Mary Findysz, the owner of the Photographic Works, spent a week going through Jones’ entire collection to choose a compilation that would be representative of his work through the years.

Jones said that at first glance, the pieces within the collection might seem unrelated due to the diverse subjects in each piece. However, after further examination, the viewer can see the consistent thread of a story.