Photographer Cliff Roles’ New Book
“Walkabout Europe”
Takes Readers On a Photographic Journey
March 26 Ÿ Sophie’s Restaurant in Saks Fifth Avenue
April 8 ŸBookstore 1
This stunning coffee table book chronicles Roles’ whirlwind tour of Europe in 2013. Roles will share his experiences and insights during these public signings.
(Sarasota, FL) “Walkabout Europe,” a coffee table book mingling breathtaking photography with witty commentary, is Sarasota-based photographer Cliff Roles’ most recent published venture. The book chronicles Roles’ whirlwind tour of Europe in 2013. Roles will give two area appearances in March and April. The first is Thursday, March 26, 5-7 p.m., at Sophie’s Restaurant in Saks Fifth Avenue, University Square Mall, 120 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota. The second is Wednesday, April 8, 6-8 p.m., at Bookstore 1, 1359 Main Street, Sarasota. The book will be available for purchase and signing at both events. “Walkabout Europe” is available at Bookstore 1 in Sarasota and also on Amazon.com. For more information, call 941-685-9017 or visit http://cliffroles.smugmug.com.
Like so many creative accomplishments, Roles says it all began with a journey: his whirlwind tour of Europe in 2013.
“I was drawn to the idea of approaching Europe with a fresh eye,” says Roles, who originally hails from Britain and lived for many years in Germany. “I’ve lived in the United States long enough that I was curious about how the continent would look to me now.”
Roles explains that he visited 22 towns and cities in 15 countries over the course of 53 days. Throughout his travels, he aimed his camera at whatever struck his fancy. “Walkabout” documents the results, taking the reader on a photographic journey through the breathtaking vistas of Crete and Santorini; Dracula’s Castle in Romania; and metropolises from Istanbul to Jerusalem, Warsaw, Helsinki and Berlin. The results are an eclectic portfolio of familiar tourist haunts and unexpected attractions that captures a continent undergoing change as it tries to blend its ancient roots with the demands of the 21st century. Throughout, easy-going commentary and appealing images bear witness to Roles’ unbridled joy in rediscovering Europe.
Roles, an award-winning actor and radio show host who was also ringmaster of Circus Sarasota in 2006 and 2007, now spends his time in Sarasota exclusively behind the camera lens, capturing arts and cultural events and taking photos of celebrities and festivities at gala fundraisers. A native of the United Kingdom, Roles lived in Germany for 28 years, 16 of which were spent working with pop and rock luminaries, including Elton John, Bon Jovi and Celine Dion. He emigrated to the United States in 2002 when he met his wife, Maria, and became a U.S. citizen in February 2014.
“I hope readers will share my joy of discovery as I did upon encountering these unique people, cultures, food, scenery and history,” he says. “It’s the next best thing to actually traveling to Europe, and there’s no passport or plane ticket required!”
