On Saturday, March 9th, the new photography exhibit titled "Serenity, Wonder, and Spirit" opened at Mumm's Napa Winery in Rutherford.
A giant thanks to all of you who joined the festivities! Over 300 guests attended. I shared forty-two color prints in the "Aperture Gallery" near the permanent collection of Ansel Adams' iconic black and white photographs. Sparkling wine, stunning weather, and a wonderful community of friends and special guests came together to support the celebration. Gratitude.
Some of you requested an easy way to reflect on the images in the show. A link is now available on my photography website to a PDF that contains the images, the image titles, and other information relating to the exhibition. It's in the "Exhibits" section - titled "Mumm Gallery Exhibit PDF."
If you missed the opening reception and wish to see the exhibit, the images will be presented at Mumm's Napa Winery through January 5, 2014. The gallery is open seven days a week.
PRINT SALES
A special thanks to all who purchased prints at the opening of the exhibit and during the last few days. Your desire to own and share this photography is uplifting.
If any of you are considering print purchases, I will extend a 10% discount on all framed and unframed images orders before March 24th. Delivery for print orders is roughly two weeks. Delivery for framed print orders is about four weeks. This discount is extended to 15% if you wish to own a framed print that is currently in the exhibit with delivery at the end of the exhibit - pay now and receive the print in January, 2014. New print orders may be in custom sizes starting at 15 by 20 inches and moving up in scale. A signed Certificates of Authenticity is included with each print. These images are printed on Ilford Prestige Galerie Smooth Pearl paper (as shown in the exhibit) or, if requested, on specialty canvas with archival pigment inks and a UV coating. Please send me an EMail or call me if you have questions or wish to reserve or order a new print.
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Many of you asked about the two exhibit images that depict the northern lights (the "aurora borealis"). The drama shown in the sky is, as you shared, beyond other-worldly.
This image that appears in the exhibit sparked much conversation ...
The sky's color and the light's wavy motion in this image are, in fact, very, very near the true memorable experience of being there. For hours, I was wholly captivated by the light dancing through the dark night sky. At times, flashes of purple, white, yellow, green, and red light appeared.
The phenomena of the northern lights can last a few brief seconds or continue for an entire night. The image above, which shows a church in Vik, Iceland, was taken in the middle of six continuous hours of bright stunning light displays. Incredible.
I would travel thousands of miles again and again with a simple hope to catch another glimpse of this spectacular color.
If you are intrigued and wish to experience more of the beauty and wonder connected to the northern lights, you may appreciate a short video presented by the New York Times:
CUBA TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY
I recently accepted an invitation to co-lead a trip to Cuba in November of this year (2013) in collaboration with Cross Cultural Journeys. Bucket list.
This will be a fully licensed (American citizens may travel under special permit) program for 9 to 14 days.
The itinerary is designed to support both photographers and individuals with a general interest in travel and culture. I have dreamed of spending time in Cuba for many years. Havana and beyond.
If you are interested in joining this trip, please let me know. We will limit the group to 10 to 16 people. Cross Cultural Journeys has successfully operated in Cuba with U.S. Government approved trips for fifteen years.
SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
I currently plan to offer a hands-on photography workshop in the late Spring or early Summer (May or June). The course will provide an overview of key techniques, camera controls, and fundamentals for digital photography. This workshop will use materials developed for previous programs with new imagery and experience from the exhibit production. The course will be taught in either San Francisco, Marin, or Napa Valley (at Mumm's Winery). There will be a limit of 8 to 12 guests. Please let me know if you are interested. Here's a link to feedback from recent workshop guests:
Workshop TestimonialsI finish with inspirational words from Ralph Waldo Emerson ...
"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better."
Best wishes,
Jeff
