The natural beauty of Martha's Vineyard makes an affecting impression, so it is no surprise that local artists are inspired to portray the Island's scenes and vistas. The Field Gallery's first show of the season, opening on Sunday, June 21, will feature three local artists whose work captures the essence of the Vineyard.
Jeff Hoerle's "Vineyard Field" demonstrates his interest in light and texture. Photos courtesy of Field Gallery
Jhenn Watts, the managing director of the gallery, earned a BFA degree in photography from the Massachusetts College of Art. She has been photographing Martha's Vineyard for 17 years. For the upcoming show, she presents images of landscapes and the textural surroundings on Lucy Vincent Beach and other up-Island locations.
"I love the sense of light on this Island," Ms. Watts says. "Lucy Vincent Beach is my favorite beach because of the way the orange and yellow of the rocks contrasts to the deep blue sky and the rolling waves. I've never seen anything like it." Her latest pieces were all taken with a Polaroid Camera, using a technique called a Polaroid emulsion lift.
"Long Point Vista" will be among Jhenn Watt's images on display that she created through a technique called Polaroid emulsion lift.
"I love using a Polaroid camera because it is a one-shot deal and no image can ever be reproduced," Ms. Watts says. "When I started working with a Polaroid I was so excited by the process. I feel like the world is three-dimensional and full of texture, and a Polaroid produces such full images. This work has taught me to think outside of the box and that people do respond to unconventional photography."
With the closing of the company in February, 2008, Polaroid products, including film, are becoming obsolete. Ms. Watts says, "Sometimes life forces you to change, and this will be a new challenge for me as an artist."
Painter Jeff Hoerle grew up spending summers on Martha's Vineyard and it was here that he did his first landscape paintings. He will be showing a collection of landscape paintings that focus more on the light and energy of the Island rather than the subject matter itself.
"I use each subject and the tactile qualities of paint to capture the light and space," Mr. Hoerle says. "In the landscape, the texture of sky, water, vegetation and houses differs tremendously, and I work to develop my knowledge of how brushstrokes and the consistency of pigment connote the world around me."
Mr. Hoerle, a 1990 Yale graduate, is a plein air painter. He often returns to the same spot many times in order to complete a painting. He may make multiple paintings at the same location in order to investigate the effects of different times of day and different weather conditions. "In the repeated visits, I develop a series of paintings of the same subject and refine my understanding of what makes the scene important to me," he says.
Kenneth Pillsworth, who with three other jewelers created what used to be Edgartown Jewelers Studio, apprenticed with renowned jeweler William Scholl. This experience set the precedent for his interests and expectations in the medium. In the summer of 1992, Mr. Pillsworth began his apprenticeship with jewelers Paul D'Olympia and Richard Hamilton. Now exhibited nationwide, his work is sleek, contemporary, and dramatic. Distinctive necklaces, earrings, rings and pendants are executed in materials such as gemstones, diamonds, precious stones, sterling silver, 14K gold, titanium, and niobium. Link bracelets and cuffs for men and women are often in mixed metals, brass, copper, sterling silver, titanium and niobium.
Ms. Watts says, "We are all excited to be opening the season with this show. This is an incredible community for artists. There is so much support in the community and so many opportunities for artistic exposure."
Artists reception, Sunday, June 21, 5-7 pm at the Field Gallery, State Road, West Tisbury. The show runs through July 4. 508-693-5595, fieldgallery.com
Apphia Williams is a freelance writer living in Oak Bluffs.
