For six years, between 2002 and 2008, photographer Elaine Ling ventured across Mongolia’s Gobi Desert with a large format camera, exploring a culture whose roots were established some 700 years ago, in the 13th century under the rule of Chinggis Khan. Ling’s passion for simple forms and scenes led her to the Gobi in search of a subject scattered throughout: ancient stones. During her five trips to the region, Ling searched for and subsequently photographed Deer Stones, Turkic Stones and the shamanistic stone makers, known as ovoos. In the process, her warm nature opened the hearts and homes of people she encountered. It is this unique access that offers a look at a culture currently experiencing a rebirth of Buddhist traditions nearly lost under Soviet suppression.

Mongolia: Land of the Deer Stone, a book of Ling’s photographs from the region was released by Lodima Books in September 2010. It is a pictorial tribute to a magical and mysterious land, its people, and their traditions.

On Wednesday, September 22, from 5 to 7 pm Elaine Ling will be present at a New York book launch and signing at the Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th Street. This free event will also feature a Himalayan Happy Hour and Spiral Music series with sounds from around the globe. On Saturday September 25, the exhibition Elaine Ling, Africa and Florida will debut at the Southeast Museum of Photography in Daytona Beach, Florida, with a 5 pm artists talk and opening reception to follow. This exhibition is on view through December 16.