CURRENT EXHIBIT: April 1-30

“NATURAL WONDERS” by Jeanie Shafer

Jeanie Shafer’s Artist Statement…
At an early age I recall being drawn to everything of the “Natural World.” Growing up on a farm afforded me many hours outdoors where I was witness to “all the buzz!” Blessed with a natural talent, I began my artistic endeavors through several different mediums. High school art classes exposed me to pencil drawing, pen & ink, oil, water, acrylic and china painting, sculpture, pottery, batik, textiles and sewing. Throughout the next several years of producing art work, the camera was a constant tool in helping me recreate my subject matter’s realism. I finally discovered that the “reality” I was so desperately trying to convey was best done with the photograph itself. At age 21 I decided that my instamatic cameras were no longer working for me and I invested in my first SLR. A Cannon AE-1 with a 50mm macro lens for close up work. I was instantly in Heaven! I set out to capture the moments I experienced: their colors and moods, their reality….their “essence.” Crouching down in a ditch full of mosquitos in early morning to capture the rays of sun through the trees became all too common! I immersed my senses in nature.

Cameras have come a long way since then, and the digital world affords us the luxury of immediately viewing our work and changing our photos into amazing feats of magic. My practice is to use very little of those tools so as to give you the true moment captured. I want you to feel what I felt and see what I saw while standing there.

To this day, my energy and creativity are renewed each time I venture outdoors. One can always see something different even when visiting the same place over and over, as each moment is unique to itself. As few of us are blessed with world travel, I’ve always thought it fortunate that I don’t have to wander very far to discover the Almighty’s creative hand and “capture a glimpse.” My own back yard has served well, and I am humbled by the beauty that surrounds us.

In recent years I have received a lot of help and support from our own area artists and business people. These generous folks have helped me to grow and have given me opportunities I may not have been exposed to otherwise. I am eternally grateful, as, in so many ways, it is YOU who are responsible for this exhibit! You know who you are!

It is in sharing these unique one-of-a-kind moments that I, as an artist, am most fulfilled. I felt blessed to have stood in the very seconds captured, and I hope you will feel the same….Enjoy!

Prior Exhibits: