The Third on Third Gallery is celebrating the coming of winter with their third annual Cold Snap photography show.
"This is the second exhibit in this space, and the third year running," said Len Barry, gallery owner. "It used to be a winter photography show, and last year we opened it up to all sorts of photography, but it mainly kicks off the winter season. This year, we have the return of some winter photographs, as well as a great spread of other photography."
Photographers featured in this year's opening of Cold Snap include: Bob Gibbon, Don Hill, Lori Deemer, Lori Savaree, and Jeff Curley. All photographers, save Curley, are local photographers.
Article Photos
Beck Benson admires a photograph during the opening of Cold Snap at the Third on Third Gallery.
P-J photo by Remington Whitcomb
"This exhibit is a great way to see how five different photographers approach their subjects," said Barry. "Lori Deemer works with real subjects, but they're pieces of buildings and walls rust and decay. They come off as being purposefully abstract. They really speak to people who appreciate the natural beauty that sometimes comes from urban decay. Don Hill is incredibly detailed in his subjects. You really need to dig deep into his photographs to truly appreciate them. Bob Gibbons has been doing this for years. I wouldn't call him an amateur, but he's completely self taught. He likes to use several different cameras, including a pocket camera, which captures some of his best work. Jeff Curley and Lori Savaree capture some real moments. Jeff is specific to winter sports and Lori captures local and regional life here. You can see a whole world here in the gallery, and most of the photographs are taken right around here."
According to Barry, almost everyone who appreciates photography will find something to appreciate in Cold Snap.
"This reaches across demographics," said Barry. "As art lovers, you're going to find something you like here. Art collectors and people looking for gifts should come take a look there's something for every room in your house here. Photography students would do well to come and see how their peers approach their work. What's great about this community is that these artists are the same people that shop at the grocery store with you. They're very approachable."
One of those artists, Don Hill, discussed his inspiration for his collection of photographs, which he calls "prayers made visible."
"Traveling in Eastern Europe I was confronted by religious icons and artwork that inspired and terrified," said Hill. "I went to various places and I saw these small works that were completely amazing but were also completely anonymous. That's sort of how I started my photographs I just started manipulating images. ... What I did with these works is I created them, then destroyed everything that went into them. They cannot be reproduced, which makes them more special to me. Because of their small sizes, you have to stand longer and look longer. The photographs really beckon you toward them, and that's exactly what I was going for.
"Another neat thing about these are that they're somewhat kindred of old Polaroid photographs. These are the smallest works I've ever done. They're finite objects and they're one of a kind, and that's what I wanted to go for with these. Photography usually represents a brief moment in time maybe one-tenth of a second. But because these images are layered anywhere from 80 images to 300 images where straight photography is really fast, these photographs represent images which add up to hours of time."
Hours for the Third on Third Gallery are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and by reservation for all other hours. The exhibit will remain open until Dec. 28, and there is no admission fee. To schedule an appointment or to show interest in purchasing a photograph, please call 664-2465 ext. 227.