Gallery Z exhibits photography and poetry
Poet Michel Rose von Dreger, left, and photographer Spring Ursula Thomas. Photo: Ina Holst.
The current exhibition of photographer Spring Ursula Thomas at Gallery Z, entitled The Sacred, is a meditation in subtle tones that strikes a deep chord.
Together with poet Michel Rose von Dreger, whose commentary touches upon the essence of the photographic works, Spring has set up an exhibition which invites the observer to linger and let the images and words float for a while before they sink in.
The photos depict ethereal images of evanescent moments in time. With a painting-like quality, they appear to capture the images as dreams rather than portraying crisp, photographic realism.
Spring has studied and practiced meditation for many years. Her experiences consequently translate into photographic reflections on the world of nature and spirit and their meanings for our times.
"I totally go on intuition and I am inspired by nature for my images, and people really respond to them. I love shadows and different light and I go for evocative images," said Spring.
Since taking her first photos, aged four, Spring has never quit photography. It eventually led to a Fine Arts degree and several international awards, including a World Citizen Award, and inclusion in the Who's Who Of American Artists list.
In her latest exhibition Spring explores new media through the use of the finest Japanese silks, Egyptian cottons and pigment dyes. Each image she creates is individually original and all works are in special editions. Spring currently works with Nikon digital SLR cameras and soon plans to create larger images.
For Michel Rose, the inspiration for her poems, which add poignancy to Spring's works, came from the images themselves. The poet also gets inspired by the natural world.
"The images have to speak to me. I saw the pieces and began writing from the imagery."
Michel Rose started young as well, writing her first poem at the age of eight. She was mostly home-schooled and an avid reader throughout her childhood years, frequently choosing books that had a connection with nature. Michel Rose graduated with a BA in Creative Writing from York University, Ontario, and was greatly influenced by the works of modern poets EE Cummings and Adrienne Rich.
Michel Rose holds poetry workshops in Golden Bay and is currently working on her first book.
The exhibition closes on 1 February and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 3-7pm.
Ina Holst
