DALLAS, TX.- The aroma of cookies baking in the oven is that familiar scent that conjures memories of your childhood. Suddenly you remember your mom (or dad) pulling the cookies out of the oven, and you are standing there, ready to devour that first warm confection.

Paul Sokal has been collecting old relics from his childhood, and not too recent past. These objects are his subject matter for this series, Before iPhone. Like that scent of baking cookies, these objects from a time machine trigger memories of the analog culture many of us grew up with. Sokal states, “The pace of life was more patient and communication was spoken face to face, rather than texted across a room, when it was easier to connect across the dining table than across the world.”

In a studio setting, Sokal places these archetypal relics against a stark white background. The resulting photograph is presented in a large color print. The 1960’s “Princess” model telephone has a vibrant yellow color that was much a part of Pop culture. Seen in a large size, it is even more vivid and eye-catching.

Recently this series was exhibited at the Grace Museum in Abilene, Texas. This is the first time Paul Sokal’s photographs have been exhibited at PDNB Gallery. Sokal was born in 1953 and grew up in Williamsville, NY, a suburb of Buffalo. Since a 25-year hiatus pursuing his medical career, he has been actively working in photography, receiving recognition through various local and national juried shows.