OSVC Current Gallery Exhibitions

Carbon Element

Presented by Tyler Green

June 15, 2024-August 10, 2024

Tyler W. Green (b. 1985) is an American photographer whose work concerns the relationship between humans and the natural world. His photographs depict the tension between human activity and its impact on the environment. This tension is woven throughout his work, challenging the perspective that humans are separate from nature. Working within urban environments and preserved wilderness areas his photographs examine the precarious balance of ecosystems amongst society's reliance on natural resources. Through direct intervention within the landscape, using artificial light and other materials, his photographs represent human activity and question the inherent value of wild places. Together, his works challenge the dominance of humans over nature and foster a perspective that we are connected to the health of our environment.

CARBON / ELEMENT explores the connection between human-caused global warming and increased wildfire intensity. Beginning with the industrial revolution, fossil fuel emissions have increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere by over 50%, reaching a new annual high every year since 1995. This increase in carbon dioxide has warmed the planet by creating a greenhouse effect that traps heat within the atmosphere. One of the key indicators of a warming planet is drought. Over the past two decades, three quarters of New Mexico counties have experienced moderate to exceptional drought, leading to water emergencies, widespread crop and pasture losses and a devastating wildfire season that burned nearly 860 thousand acres across the state.

Photographs of areas impacted by the Hermit Peak / Calf Canyon, Cerro Pelado and Black fires of 2022 depict a charred landscape where blackened trunks stand along barren hillsides. Holes are sunken into the earth where tree roots were incinerated, and the bones of animals are found blackened and brittle. Photographs of smoke from the 2023 Pass fire show darkened skies while other images show flames climbing the trunks of trees. Handprints painted on burnt trunks allude to the human influence on the increasingly destructive nature of these fires. While images of salvage logging portray the continued impact of human activity across the landscape. Together, these photographs express the destructive forces of wildfires that have become more intense in part by human-caused global warming.

The connection between human activity and growing wildfire intensity is further expressed through the photographic prints. Using the intaglio printmaking process, the photographs are printed using carbon-based ink. This ink is created from a raw pigment refined from charcoal collected from each location where the images were made. By incorporating carbon into the printed artwork, a physical connection is formed between the photograph and the subject. This connection acts as an element of continuity between the print, the fires and the warming climate which accentuates the relationship between our collective actions and the welfare of our environment.

Acknowledging this exhibition does not directly relate to the Open Space lands, Albuquerque Open Spaces are susceptible to wildland fires and smoke from area fires has impacted air quality across the entire state. Furthermore, human-caused global warming affects everyone and is an issue we must all address as it further impacts our lives. This exhibition consists of twelve framed photographs, one galley copy of an accompanying book and one wall panel describing the artwork and the artist. Each printed photograph is 12.5 by 10 inches, mounted behind acrylic glass inside a 13 by 17 by 1.5 inches black frame and weighing 1 pound 15 ounces.

Celebrate with Artworks

Presented by Joyce Salisbury, Ph. D, Carmen Caswell, Kat Richter-Sand, Ed. D, Phillip Johnson, Ph. D, Jeri Burzin, MS Ed.

July 06, 2024 - August 17, 2024

CELEBRATE with ARTWORKS!

Artworks is a group of artists who live on the west side of Albuquerque in the shadow of the Petroglyph National Monument.  Many of the artists have migrated from elsewhere, Jeri Burzin & Carmen Caswell, from California, Michelle D’Amour, New Orleans & NY, Phil & Cheryl Johnson, Alaska, Kat Richter-Sand, the northeast heights, and Martha Vicente, Missouri.  What was it that attracted these folks to New Mexico?   Each artists’ work embraces a deep passion for the land and its remarkable mix of traditions and people, the brilliant skyscapes and their magical light, and the richness of our native and regional wildlife, gardens, foliage, mountains, deserts and waters.  Step into these images captured by Artworks members and marvel at the treasures inspired from the Land of Enchantment and Open Space lands.

ARTIST STATEMENTS

Jeri Burzin, MS Education, photographer and mixed media artist

One of the attractions for my move to Albuquerque was the ease of getting outdoors in the various Open Space lands.  I was particularly grateful for the ability to socialize with friends and hike during the pandemic, in the Petroglyph National Monument, Bosque trails on the west side, and many loops and trails on the east side.  I enjoy photographing the wildlife and fauna and flora encountered on these trails, and sighting wildlife has been great fun as reflected in my work.  My photography has been shown in a variety of private venues, including the Ansel Adams Gallery and Yosemite Museum in CA, Art League of New Mexico, Placitas Artist Series, and more, see www.jeriburzin.com

Carmen Caswell, ceramic and water color artist

The culture, scenery and colors of New Mexico called to me and we made this our home.  The clay I use are all local clays from the mountains that surround us.  I sculpt cactus, birds, and other area flora and fauna and my garden at home is my pottery gallery.   I’m always taking photos of the mountains, rivers, flora and fauna on the trails in New Mexico and many of my photos are transposed into paintings and pottery pieces that reflect the ‘Land of Enchantment’ and Open Space Lands.

 Michelle D’Amour, MS Education Administration, painter

As an oil painter I am inspired by nature and all things organic particularly flowers and plants.  The intensity of the sunlight in the Open Space provides me with the ability to focus on the many design variations in the flora and fauna. I love to get intimate with the flowers by painting them as the perfect creations they are, much like the lens of a camera.   I am fascinated by the forms, shapes and lights and darks that organic plants provide in the sunlight.  I recently moved to New Mexico and was immediately inspired by the beauty of the Southwest and the unique vegetation that covers the Albuquerque landscape. I am fortunate to be surrounded by the beauty of the changing seasons and to witness nature's responses to those changes.  As an artist we must respect these seasons and try to capture the living world's response to change.  Albuquerque’s  Open Space areas are an excellent way to view the ever changing landscape of our surroundings. www.michelledamour.com.

Philip Johnson, PhD Biology, photographer

As a biologist/environmental manager, I often view my photography through that lens.  Albuquerque’s Open Space areas offer a rich diversity of stunning landscapes, scenic vistas, unique habitats for migratory and resident wildlife, and irreplaceable cultural resources.  These are truly special places where I have taken some of my favorite photos.  As a person with mobility challenges, the trails and roads in these Open Space lands have provided me with a way to enjoy and celebrate the wild areas in our own “backyard.”  Albuquerque’s Open Space lands have provided me with an accessible gateway to a wide range of wild lands and where I can pursue my passion for photography.

Kat Richter-Sand, Ed.D Education, writer, potter, photographer/mixed media artist

I love exploring our National Monuments, wildlife preserves, and local Open Spaces and trails while searching for glimpses of animals, birds, flora, and other delightful surprises.  My art is heavily inspired by these treasures, giving me an opportunity to reflect on our special skies, landscapes, nature and cultures by creating ways of embedding these stories into my pieces.  Weaving designs into clay and photography especially allow me to celebrate the wonders of life in New Mexico and all its physical beauty, struggles, and rituals that surround us every day.  My ceramic and photographic work have been shown at the Hubbard Museum of the American West, The University of New Mexico, the Annual New Mexico Photographic Arts Show, the Atomic STEaM Photography Show at the National Nuclear Museum, Celebration of Clay, and the New Mexico State Fair.  www.studio505arts.etsy.com.

Martha Vicente, painter

Opening my front door, I gaze at the looming Sandia Mountains and am transported to a new dimension.  It’s an ever-changing glorious view and I have painted the mountains in each season and various times of day.   Capturing my impressions of landscape and sky in paintings, I encourage viewers to take time to observe the special textural details of tree bark, the colors and reflections in water, the strata of rock, etc.  Albuquerque’s Open Spaces offer great opportunities for adventures to see, feel, hear, and smell the beauty of nature.