Two Evanston artists, Lynne Miller Jones and Stephen Guenther, have found a shared current in their joint exhibition, 'Refractions'. Their works, which explore the ways light, movement, and time continually reshape water, are on display at Alley Gallery until September 26th. The exhibition pairs Miller Jones' paintings with Guenther's photographs, creating a unique and captivating visual experience.
Miller Jones' paintings are almost like photographs, with ripples and reflections that border on abstraction. Her fascination with water began with her family, particularly her children who were competitive swimmers. She started photographing water and then painting from those images, creating a series of works that are almost like odes to the photographs she takes. Miller Jones' technical precision and attention to detail create a cohesive exhibition where her paintings and Guenther's photographs can be difficult to distinguish at first glance.
Guenther's photographs, on the other hand, capture the swirling and bending of seawater as it catches the light. His fascination with water emerged from years of traveling to the Bahamas with his wife, where he experimented with camera settings and where to stand to freeze the water without eliminating its sense of movement. Guenther's relationship with photography stretches back more than five decades, and he has received Evanston Arts Council grants to support his exhibitions.
The exhibition 'Refractions' is the result of a six-year collaboration between Miller Jones and Guenther. The two artists approached Alley Gallery about showing their work together before COVID, and the connection between their works was immediately apparent. The synergy between photography and painting is unusual, but it works beautifully in this exhibition.
The exhibition encourages viewers to slow down and notice changes that can otherwise pass unnoticed. Miller Jones hopes that her work will inspire people to pay attention and observe the beauty of water. Guenther, meanwhile, sees a meditative quality in the patterns of the water, comparing the photo series to the raked gravel of Zen gardens.
The second reception for 'Refractions' will be held on Saturday, September 5th, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Alley Gallery. The exhibition is a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of shared interests, and it is a must-see for anyone interested in art and the natural world.
