Tom Eckles, Photography Ruth Conley, Ceramics Opening Reception: Saturday, March 7, 2009, 5:00 p.m. Exhibit remains through April 1 Dolphin Gallery

The Dolphin Gallery will present an exhibit of Ruth Conley's ceramics and Tom Eckles' photography from the opening reception Saturday, March 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. through April 1.

Ruth Conley talks about ceramics

"After first touching clay on a wheel in 1995, I couldn't stop. Until I was able to change my career goals and work hours, I didn't make time for art in my life. And until 1995, I was unsure which art form was meant for me.

"Me, clay, and a new passion . . .
Clay opened a passion I'd been searching for. I began a weekly beginning wheel class, quickly moving to studio visits three times a week. For 10 years I studied and learned under the tutelage of master potter, Tom Collins, in a Sonoma clay program. I then set up my own clay studio at The Sea Ranch.

"Color, texture, and movement . . .
I think function first. I am inspired by all things useful. From there the creativity begins, and the colors, textures, and movements in the Northern California coast area are my stimulation.

"The wheel, the clay, and hand built fruit . . .
My first love is creating forms on the wheel, primarily with porcelain clay (oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe). I also enjoy hand building and sculpture. In addition, I produce a line of hand built fruits and vegetables created with low fire clay and bright painted glazes.

"The joy of it all . . .
Although I love to create things and sell them, it is the doing that gives me joy. It is a great satisfaction to see my pieces used in the home or displayed in the garden."

Tom Eckles talks about his photography

Recently, I have returned to taking photographs that only capture infrared wavelengths. Most humans only see visible light, which is a major factor in defining our world. But what if we only saw infrared wavelengths? We would then see our world as demonstrated by IR photographs.

As I began taking IR photos again, after a gap of approximately 30 years, the images caused me to ponder:

• "What defines the real world?"
• "Is it all an illusion?"
• "What would life be like if all we saw were infrared waves?"

Certainly the world is different for those people who are colorblind or see nothing at all.

This exhibition will include some of these IR photographs. Join me in the exploration of our visual world.

Some of my images may be viewed and purchased at my websites www.tom.eckles.com and www.tomeckles.com.

My studio in Gualala, CA is open to visitors; call for directions, 707.884.1930 or tom@eckles.com.

The Dolphin Gallery is located at 39225 Highway One in downtown Gualala, CA
(behind the post office on the south side). Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-3896 for more information.