In the world of art, it's rare to find two artists who share a common thread, let alone a shared current. But that's precisely what Lynne Miller Jones and Stephen Guenther have in their joint exhibition, 'Refractions'. Their work, on display at Alley Gallery, is a testament to the power of shared fascination and the beauty of water, captured through distinct artistic lenses.
A Shared Fascination with Water
What makes this exhibition truly remarkable is the shared fascination of these two artists with water. Miller Jones, an Evanston artist, was inspired by her family's connection to competitive swimming. She began painting her children, and in doing so, developed a deep interest in depicting the water surrounding them. On the other hand, Guenther's fascination emerged from years of traveling to the Bahamas with his wife. The couple's exploration of the islands sparked his interest in capturing the water's beauty through photography.
A Unique Synergy
The synergy between Miller Jones' paintings and Guenther's photographs is unusual. While Miller Jones' paintings are almost like odes to the photographs she takes of water, Guenther's photographs freeze seawater as it swirls, bends, and catches the light. This unique combination of mediums creates a captivating exhibition that explores the ways light, movement, and time continually reshape water.
A Journey of Artistic Discovery
Both artists' journeys to art were nonlinear. Miller Jones, after studying art in college and working in commercial art, became a nurse. Eventually, she stepped away from the profession while raising her children and returned to art, now pursuing a master of fine arts at the New York Academy of Art. Guenther, on the other hand, began studying photography in 1972 and moved to Illinois to pursue graduate studies. After semi-retiring around 2015, he began bringing his photography more fully into public view.
A Cohesive Exhibition
The exhibition 'Refractions' is a testament to the artists' technical precision and cohesive vision. Miller Jones' paintings and Guenther's photographs are difficult to distinguish at first glance, creating a cohesive and captivating experience for viewers. The gallery co-owner, Ross Martens, praised the artists' preparation and attention to detail, noting that Miller Jones' technical precision helps create a cohesive exhibition.
A Call to Slow Down and Observe
Miller Jones hopes the exhibition encourages viewers to slow down and notice changes that can otherwise pass unnoticed. She believes that paying attention and observing the beauty of water can be a transformative experience. The second reception for 'Refractions' will be held on Saturday, September 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Alley Gallery, providing an opportunity for viewers to engage with the artists and experience the exhibition firsthand.
In my opinion, 'Refractions' is a testament to the power of shared fascination and the beauty of water, captured through distinct artistic lenses. It's a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for exploring the world around us and encouraging us to slow down and observe the beauty that often passes unnoticed.
