Images Fine Art Gallery presents
Alex Merk

Alex Merk has always known that his dreams do come true.  Maui only accelerated this process for this eccentric, creative, and adrenalin hooked individual. One of the early mysteries that fascinated young Alex was what happened when his father disappeared to develop photos in the family’s bathroom.  His father warned young Alex, "Don't open the door", which to Alex made the temptation to unveil what was going on even stronger. The seed for a future in photography was planted. His father was able to turn nothing into something in the darkroom, and someday Alex would do the same.  

Alex has always been an avid sportsman and craved the excitement of outdoor adventures. He dedicated 12 years of his life to sailing boats in the harbors and gulfs of his homeland. As a competitive sailor he spent four years on the Olympic team, and was a four time national champ.  Though he had a promising future in sailing, he knew it was time to quit the moment his enjoyment of the sport ceased. For Alex, it is as simple as that. Without enjoyment in an activity, there is truly no reason to continue with it.  

On Maui, Alex spends his time kite surfing, paragliding, scuba diving and enjoying life. He drives a van with a bumper sticker that states quite bluntly, "Screw the System". He lives in Makawao with his dog, Sabaka. Building is his source of income, but the wind, waves, and photography are his sources of inspiration.  

He is not limited to one genre of photography and enjoys capturing the macro world, portraits, wedding, and landscapes. Alex recently won several awards in the Maui County Fair 2009 in both the black and white and color categories.