The “Fractured Flowers” exhibit includes layered photos by Kevin Hinkle/Ellen Martin, and sculpture by Eleanor James. The artists will be discussing the value of artistic collaboration and the development of the exhibition. It’s free. Everyone is invited.

Ellen Martin had always admired Kevin Hinkle’s photography. She felt comfortable asking him to use photographs from both her “Abandoned” and “Dead Roses” series as a base for his fusion technique.

This was Kevin’s first time working with a series of photos from another artist. Without any limitations imposed, he began to experiment with a variety of his photographs to layer with hers. At first, Kevin went for moody, haunting types of images that leaned into Ellen’s abandoned theme. Later he gravitated towards a range of styles from minimalist to lush which were less tied to the concept of abandoned things and more towards composites (fusions) that he found aesthetically pleasing (whether it be due to a certain graphic quality or color).

Of the flower-based works, Kevin said, “I see them as dramatizing the natural cycles of renewal and decay through the combining of three-dimensional objects. They simultaneously extend life in unexpected ways while emphasizing the precarious state of the natural world.” He added, “It was a pleasure to engage in this type of collaboration because it incorporates two points of view. Making composites (fusions) resulted in an evolution in my art practice, and I expect this collaborative process with Ellen to have a similar effect.”

Meanwhile, the sculptures of Eleanor James more closely resemble whole flowers and incorporate both a macro and micro view of nature. The fractured flowers, portrayed as poppies in James’ work, are a representation of the interruption of life and beauty by the powers of man. Eleanor lost her great Uncle Rob in WWII at the age of 18 leaving Eleanor’s grandmother Mary, heartbroken for life. War, development, money, and greed break apart beauty, life, love, and spirit decade after decade, yet throughout generations, not that much changes in the world.

The brilliantly colored poppy sculptures are a reminder of the fantastic beauty of nature, broken and cracked by the harshness of life. The larger black poppy represents grief and a sense of powerlessness against these devastating moments of life.

The entrance is located at the bottom of a ramp to the left of a wine store.

Time: 1:00-5:00 pm EST

Free!

Registration