Exhibition Dates: August 3 – October 28, 2023
On view at River Arts on Water Gallery (590 Water St, Prairie du Sac, WI) and online Reception: Thursday, August 10 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Artist talks begin at 6 pm.
10% off all artwork in the gallery during the reception!
River Arts is pleased to feature two fantastic artists – photographer Mike Murray and woodcarver Jim Lynes – during August, September, and October of 2023.
This show explores nature’s wonderment and whimsy! Murray’s photographs will astound you with breathtaking views of the landscape both intimate and vast capturing magical moments from nature, while Lynes’ wood carvings will spark your imagination and conjure memories, stories, and other fancies that could be lying within the wood grain.
Please read on for information about both artists. This exhibition is on view for a limited time only!
Bristlecone Pine, digital photograph, Mike Murray
Mike Murray Artist Statement:
My goal is to create photographs that capture the beauty, solitude and mystery of the natural world. I strive for results that are both artistically and technically sound. I am on an endless search to capture dynamic images that create an emotional and peaceful connection for the viewer.
I am inspired by landscapes, wide vistas and intimate settings, the beauty of nature, and subjects that are representations of days gone by. I prefer to shoot in isolated areas. I find that the peacefulness of isolation brings me closer to the subjects that I am documenting. It helps me to reflect on the experience of seeing.
For me, landscape and nature photography is less about getting the perfect shot and more about experiencing the wonderment of the natural world.
My “alone” time in nature gives me time for introspection about what my role is in this world of photography. It is to document so that others can experience something that they may or may never have the opportunity to see. Through my photographs I hope to evoke an emotion, stir a memory or generate the beginnings of a new experience.
GallchGallchobhar (cottonwood), Jim Lynes
Jim Lynes Artist Statement:
The carvings I create are often inspired by and incorporated into the natural characteristics of the wood. My designs include relief and three dimensional pieces generated from my imagination and Out of Thin Air.
Razor sharp knives, gouges, chisels as well as some power tools assist me as I carve. Original drawings, clay models and reference materials aid in my creations. Hardwoods for their grains are my primary carving resource but some softwood species are also used. I have never harvested a living tree for my work. One of a variety of clear finishes is applied to complete a piece including varnish, lacquer, shellac, polyurethane, stain, waxes or oils.
