October 12-November 11 “Betlem & Geos”
October 14, 5-7 Reception
“THE FINGER LAKES: ABOVE AND BELOW
2-person show Davison Gallery, Roberts Wesleyan College
2301 Westside Dr. Rochester, NY at Buffalo Rd (rt 33
Living in a unique geological region where, side by side, eleven valleys were carved to a depth capable of holding water two million years ago by a retreating glacier, inspired this body of work. Because of their long finger-like shapes and their proximity to one another, the Native Americans referred to these bodies of water as the Finger Lakes. Most of these lakes have shorelines dotted with residents and business, while others have been spared development and represent the most pristine qualities of the natural world.
Other than admiring the exposed shale in waterfalls and gorges, I never gave much thought to the geology of the Finger Lakes beyond this, but recently I've felt compelled to understand more about the layers of shale deep beneath the surface. The beauty, health and vitality of this region is dependent on a good understanding of this geology, as we are faced with decisions related to future energy harvest, using technologies which greatly compromise the integrity of the earth.
Running below my pastel paintings of each aerial contour and related icons of the Finger Lakes, is a representation of this region's shale beds. It shows the many faults, joints and fractures connecting to each other, serving as conduits capable of carrying liquids and gases to unknown, large distances, with potentially harmful impact along the way. You, as the viewer, are invited to determine the value of fracturing this shale for natural gas extraction.
The extraordinary beauty of the Finger Lakes region, having captured my interest for many years, resulted in a plethora of landscape paintings, some of which are included in this show to round out my experience and expression of this natural wonder.
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