(Above: An example of David Becker’s Surreal Imagination)
Edited by Randi Bjornstad
The Emerald Art Center in downtown Springfield holds its monthly Second Friday Art Walk on Dec. 9, and in addition to recent works by member artists, the December exhibits include two special photography displays, by David Becker and Guy Weese, sponsored by Photography at Oregon, plus a featured exhibit of paintings in a first show by by Alaina Shea.
Guy Weese: Gold de Light Years — A Retrospective
The Guy Weese show is a 50-year retrospective of his photography, which he describes as “a celebration (and) appreciation of life as well as a moment of worship to the beauty and wonderment of our amazing world.”
He describes his goal as a photographer “to capture the moment and show viewers something they have never seen before,” sometimes combining images from more than one photograph to accomplish his goal.
In his artist statement, Weese says, “Photography has been a visual diary for me. There are lots of spiritual elements to it … to capture a moment … a moment that’s here, then gone (and not repeatable ever again). It’s a mysterious way of trying to capture time while time is passing.”
David Becker: Images of Surreal Imagination
Becker, a member of the Emerald Art Center, describes his photographic objective as a test of his ability “to twist reality while creating believable photographs,” introducing the viewer into a mysterious and surreal world of imagination — some based on personal experience — and often incorporating humor.
He is a self-taught photographer who began his art using media pen and ink before turning to the digital darkroom, where he uses photography, drawing, painting, and photo manipulation. His work often has a subtext of raising awareness about environmental issues such as global warming.
Alaina Shea: Flowers, Faces, and Places
Quinn, by Alaina Shea (2022)
Being an artist has been Shea’s goal since she was 8 years old, with watercolor as a special interest, although she now also paints with acrylics. In addition to faces and flowers, Italy holds a fascination for her, leading her to travel to Sicily during the past two years to gain both inspiration and education in painting, the results of which are included in this first show of her work.
Emerald Art Center
Current exhibits: Dec. 5, 2023 through Jan. 5, 2024
Second Friday Art Walk and artist reception: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8; artist talk by Guy Weese at 7 p.m.
Where: 500 Main St., Springfield
Regular gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (closed Dec. 26, 2023, and Jan. 2, 2024)
Information: 541-726-8595 or emeraldartcenter.org
Snow Mountain by Guy Weese
