LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Christopher Burkett Exhibit is a Must See at Carter Gallery |
Last November something utterly fabulous happened in Lewes: The Edward Carter Gallery opened, with a breathtaking array of original prints by Ansel Adams (more on that later) and other gifted photographers, under the guidance of curators Dinah Reath and Sally Packard. Dinah and Sally are just delights, making you feel at home amidst this incredible art, answering questions, showing you the works, and just being all around wonderful people.
Now, they are pleased to announce the opening of a new photo exhibit by one of their favorite artists, Christopher Burkett, called Intimations of Paradise. The exhibit will open on Saturday, February 19, and remain on view through April 16. Burkett, who hails from Oregon, is a former monk, and is one of the rare color photographers who makes his own prints from his 8 x 10 inch view camera. Burkett also has a book of his work published, which is on display in the gallery, and one can order any of the prints from the book. But seeing the works live is another world entirely. The press release announcing this exhibit claims that "... many actually gasp with astonishment when in (the) presence " of his work, and I can attest to that. The first time I saw his work in December, I actually did gasp when I saw the intensity of color, the use of shadows and light, the detail of nature. It's clear that Burkett's spiritual life is reflected in his work, with a reverence for the land and nature, and attention to light and detail that will move those who aren't even generally fans of photography. I took a friend to the gallery a week after my first visit, and some new works had arrived. We sat mesmerized, speechless for nearly an hour, in awe of the works in front of us. I actually began plotting what I could sell of Konrad's while he was on vacation to buy my favorite print, they are that stunning. (Luckily I came to my senses, but it was real close for a day. Let's just say inventories were made.) Some of my favorites include Sunrise, Autumn Blueberries, Maine, an incredible expanse of bold color and light as the sun comes up over a blueberry field with almost an impressionistic look. Green Veratrum, Alaska, has a far different feel, a stunning emerald plant taking up the whole frame with its pointed leaves, while the series of works on gold aspens in the fall against a deep blue sky add still more respect for this amazing artist. But these are just the beginning of his brilliance. All his works reflect a part of nature that is wild and beautiful. What would normally be a simple cottonwood tree in Utah is transformed to a state of glory as its branches, ablaze with sunshine, create a halo of light from every branch and pore of the tree. It's an exhibit not to be missed. Of course, let's not forget the original Ansel Adams prints that greet you as you enter the gallery. Edward Carter has the largest collection of Adams prints in the world. He has galleries in several other locations, so the stock will rotate here from time to time. If you've never seen an original, don't wait another day to visit the gallery. They are too magnificent; each print here was personally made in the darkroom by Adams himself to his exacting standards. There are very few of these prints left, so to have them right here in Lewes is a phenomenal gift to the area. As are, of course, the additions of Dinah and Sally to our community. They are consummate professionals who also clearly love their work and sharing it with guests, and it shows. They bring with them many years of gallery management, love of photography, and non-profit work, and we wish them good luck as they add yet another wonderful reason why southern Delaware is the place to be! The Edward Carter Gallery, located in the Inn at Canal Square, Front & Market Streets in Lewes, is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 1, Feb. 4, 2000. |