In the world of art, it's not often that two artists find a shared current, a common thread that runs through their work. But in the case of Lynne Miller Jones and Stephen Guenther, that's exactly what happened. Their joint exhibition, 'Refractions', is a testament to the power of shared fascination and the beauty of water. What makes this exhibition particularly fascinating is the way these two artists have captured the essence of water through their unique mediums. Miller Jones, a painter, and Guenther, a photographer, have both found a way to express their love for water in their own distinct ways. From a distance, Miller Jones' paintings could be mistaken for photographs. Ripples fold into one another, sunlight catches the surface, and patches of blue, green, and white dissolve into reflections. Step closer, and the water breaks apart into brushstrokes and shapes that border on abstraction. This is a detail that I find especially interesting. It's a testament to the power of art to capture the essence of a subject, even when the subject is as fluid and ever-changing as water. What many people don't realize is that Miller Jones' fascination with water began with her family. While painting her children, who were competitive swimmers, she became increasingly interested in depicting the water surrounding them. This is a great example of how art can be a reflection of personal experiences and how those experiences can shape an artist's vision. Guenther's fascination emerged differently. For him, the water came through years of traveling to the Bahamas each summer with his wife. The couple married in 2000 and began exploring the islands together, eventually seeking out smaller, less commercialized islands in the area. This raises a deeper question: how do our personal experiences shape our artistic vision? In my opinion, it's clear that both artists have found a way to express their love for water in their own unique ways, and that's what makes 'Refractions' such a compelling exhibition. One thing that immediately stands out is the synergy between Miller Jones' paintings and Guenther's photographs. The way they capture the energy of water is truly remarkable. If you take a step back and think about it, it's not often that we see photography and painting come together in such a harmonious way. This is a great example of how different artistic mediums can complement each other and create a cohesive and powerful whole. What this really suggests is that art is not just about the individual artist, but also about the relationship between the artist and their medium. From my perspective, 'Refractions' is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in art and water. It's a beautiful exploration of how two artists have found a shared current in their work and how that has shaped their artistic vision. The exhibition was nearly six years in the making, and it's a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of shared fascination. Personally, I think that 'Refractions' is a great example of how art can be a reflection of our personal experiences and how those experiences can shape our artistic vision. It's a reminder that art is not just about the individual artist, but also about the relationship between the artist and their medium. So, if you're in the area, I highly recommend checking out 'Refractions'. It's a beautiful and thought-provoking exhibition that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the power of art and the beauty of water.
