Artisans of the Valley Master Craftsman Eric M. Saperstein met Richard Ondrovic back in 1997, crossing paths in the Information Technology world and working together for the next eleven years or so. While Eric was directing his creative abilities towards woodworking & carving, Richard has always been passionate about his love of photography, film, food, travel, and adventures.

His expeditions came through every year, with colleagues around the country always anticipataing the presentation of an array of amazing photographs on his return. Rich’s trips ranging from Antarctica to the Galapagos Islands, local to South Carolina or wandering through Appalachia; we can’t list them all just take a look at his websites!

Richard joined forces with Lisa Varner (his wife and producer … also known as “Dr. Lisa”) and formed Pigeonpie Films, specializing in documentaries that portray the positive and unique aspects of Appalachian culture and society. Visit www.pigeonpiefilms.com to view their award winning documentaries online.

“We believe that the beauty, sights, and sounds of Appalachia deserve to be preserved and shared with others.”  – Richard Ondrovic & Dr. Lisa Varner

Richard Ondrovic grew up in New York City and graduated from Brooklyn College. He’s a software engineer, as well as a photographer and filmmaker. Lisa Varner grew up in Fairborn, Ohio. She graduated from Auburn University, LSU, The University of Tennessee, and Virginia Tech University and has doctoral degrees in nutrition science and clinical psychology. She loves to cook and travel (and eat)!

“Though we come from very different backgrounds, we’ve found lots of commonalities. As for our differences—–some make us stronger, and some just serve to frustrate! But it’s a good sign when you both agree that a wedding by Elvis is the perfect way to start out married life!” – Richard Ondrovic & Dr. Lisa Varner

Ondrovic is an odd combination of a private soul with an exhibitionist mentality. You won’t get his home phone number or email unless your family, yet he personally maintains www.ondrovic.com, www.pigeonpiefilms.com, & www.richardondrovic.com sharing with the world their travels, interests, and lives. Join them on their many adventures: from their Elvis wedding in Vegas—to their Mardi Gras trips in New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast—-and to adventures in Antarctica. As they say down in Cajun Country – laissez les bon temps roulez!

We can only blog a small extract from Rich’s work – his website has a gallery of thousands of pictures, many of which are available for sale. There is now even a book featuring images Rich’s Antarctica trip. Click this link to preview the book: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/20451