August, 2005

Nature: The Intimate and Grand

David O. Watkins, Jr & Cedric D. Reverand II

This exhibit will run from August 4, 2005 through August 28, 2005 and features the photographic works of gallery member, David O. Watkins, Jr. and a friend of 35 years, Cedric D. Reverand II of Laramie, Wyoming

A reception for the artists will be held Friday evening, August 5, from 5:00 until 8:00 pm. The public is welcome.

David O. Watkins Jr. H.Barbara Mitchell

Cedric D. Reverand II, Aspen Grove

About the Artists

Watkins and Reverand met in the late 60s while Ric was pursuing his PhD in English and David was working as a graphic designer in Cornell's educational television center. They were able to collaborate on several projects, Ric as still photographer and David as video producer and artist. Early collaborations included work on a series of instructional videos on basic graphic design concepts.

In mid-1971 Reverand and his wife moved to Laramie, Wyoming, where he was employed in the English department. The two friends vowed to continue to find ways to work together and they have. Many visits between Ithaca and Laramie have resulted in a significant body of work by both photographers. Watkins working in color and Reverand concentrating on large format black and white view camera images. This exhibit shows a small portion of that work.

Watkins, now working exclusively in digital formats, focuses on botanicals and landscapes. His inspiration comes from the textures and patterns created in nature by light, color, weather, age and natural predators. More recently he has begun to experiment with manipulation of those images to create a different, more artistic vision of the original image. Most of his subjects in this show come from his own extensive perennial gardens and the Ithaca area.

Reverand is exhibiting large 16"x20" black and white images, primarily landscapes, but it is interesting to note that he describes his own work as "intimate." His work gravitates toward groves of trees, quiet streams, and glimpses of meadows. He is fascinated by the density and richness of natural detail.

Both artists describe their work as being both intimate and grand. Thus the show title -- NATURE: The Intimate and Grand.

Gallery phone: 277-1626.