I am delighted that “Florida” — an ominous photograph with contrarian text — has been selected for the 5th Annual Regional Juried Photography Exhibition at the Rehoboth Art League (RAL), 12 Dodds Lane in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Opening reception, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2020.
Juror’s Talk by Gabrielle Tillenburg, Saturday, February 1, 10:00 a.m.
The exhibit continues thru March 8.
This is third year in a row that a work of mine has been accepted. In 2018, my photo was awarded Second Place!
I say the text is contrarian because it takes Florida’s water troubles and claims they are blessings. It says Florida is a state to be envied. Saint Paul tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. So, even if I am talking about Florida’s woes, I want to be positive. Are you convinced her woes are blessings?
The juror, Gabrielle Tillenburg, got her bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Central Florida and has worked with Adah Rose Gallery at Pulse Miami. She knows Florida much better than I do, so I look forward to hearing what she has to say (if anything) about the prayer that goes with the photo.
The text is a prayer, one of hundreds I have written to go with my photos. In this case, I was inspired in part by the Talking Heads song, “Once In A Lifetime”. You can see my Photo Prayer website at www.PhotoPrayer.com.
For the first time, I engraved the text on the surface of the mat rather than writing it by hand. This was done using a laser etching and cutting machine at NextFab, a tool and technology resource with locations in Wilmington, Delaware and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I owned a typesetting business for years, so I am much more comfortable using a machine to make letters than using a pen. This felt like coming home.
The photo itself was not taken in Florida, but at the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware. My state, like Florida, is a low-elevation state. Delaware’s average elevation is only 60 feet above sea level, the lowest of all the fifty states, 40 feet lower than Florida’s. Its highest point, not far from where I live, is only 447 feet, the lowest high point in the United States. Delaware is not the smallest state, but if the sea levels rise high enough, it might be.
Unlike South Florida, Delaware’s basement is not permeable limestone. If we build dikes like the Dutch, we may be able to hold off the sea. South Central Florida does not have that option. When oceans rise further, sea water will flow underground and rise up on the other side of any dikes that are built. That is my understanding, but what do I know? Am I right? Am I wrong?
To purchase any of my images or to make a comment, please contact me! This framed print is priced at $230, which includes the RAL’s 35% commission.
Nick Serratore, RAL Exhibition Director, said, “This exhibition displays a variety of photographs using traditional and unique methods from 37 artists who were selected from over 144 submissions. The caliber of work submitted from all of the artists was amazing, which made it difficult for the judge during the selection process. Clearly, artists are taking advantage of new technology when it comes to photography, taking it to a whole new level.”
Finally, thanks to the Big Fish restaurant chain for sponsoring the exhibit, and to Delaware Humanities for sponsoring the gallery talk.
—Danny Schweers
December 17, 2019
LINKS
The Rehoboth Art League Website
https://www.rehobothartleague.org/
Delaware Scene: “From the Juror and Judge with Gabrielle Tillenburg”
https://www.delawarescene.com/event/26215/from-the-juror-and-judge-with-gabrielle-tillenburg
The Miami Herald, 12/4/2019 “New projections show that South Florida is in for even more sea level rise”
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article237997454.html
The Sun-Sentinel, 8/23/2018 “Sea-level rise: How South Florida can cope with its ‘wicked problem’”
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/opinion/fl-op-viewpoint-sea-level-rise-polsky-interview-20180823-story.html
Moms Clean Air Force, 4/17/2019 “Florida Families Cope With Sea Level Rise”
https://www.momscleanairforce.org/florida-sea-level-rise/
Danny’s Image in 4th Annual RAL Photo Exhibit
http://dannyschweers.com/4th-annual-rehoboth-art-league-photography-exhibit/
Danny’s Image in 3rd Annual RAL Photo Exhibit
http://dannyschweers.com/2nd-place-rehoboth-art-league/