EVERY JOURNEY COUNTS
What would compel a New Yorker to drive from Manhattan to Long Island on a Friday summer afternoon when the city’s population has a seismic weekend shift toward the beaches, the Hamptons, and other parts out east? I had a good reason.
In what should have taken less than 90 minutes (although on this day, the GPS warned otherwise), three hours and 17 minutes later I arrived at the Islip Arts Council Gallery in Bay Shore, where the “Happy Little Trees” exhibition reception was taking place. It was exciting to see my two selected works on display in this juried show. Mingling with the art viewers and other creators is always fun as well.
I was heartened and humbled to receive wonderful feedback about each of my works. The photograph, entitled “Wherever Your Path May Lead,” is the most literal interpretation of the exhibition theme – a visually soothing landscape where a beautiful cascading tree drapes above a path that veers toward a distant unknown. Prints (framed or unframed, free shipping) are available here or through my Gallery Page.
However, my art collage, entitled “Trees and the Passage of Time” – composed of original photography, my family vintage photos, and other source materials – was a conversation starter, if not a curiosity. “I love this ‘family tree.’” “Is that your family?” “You should create these for people who want to memorialize their genealogy.” Once I expounded on my thought process, interest grew even deeper, so let me explain.
The genesis of this piece began as a metaphoric idea. Looking at old family photos, I thought about the passage of time, how quickly it goes, and the legacy of not just my past, but as a universal experience. With a tree-themed exhibition opportunity on the horizon, what emerged is a visual expression about what we inherit both ancestrally and from nature, season over season, year over year.
Back to the suggestion by exhibition-goers to accept commissions of one-of-a-kind family legacy art collages, I accept! Incorporating trees as a backdrop was a singular challenge, but there’s so many more visual concepts incorporating family images to explore. What ideas might you have? If you’d like to have a conversation about creating one for you, please email me at ShaSteinbach@gmail.com or let’s discuss through my contact page on this website.
Meanwhile, the drive home – this time heading west – was a breeze. With a small stash of single-serving car snacks in tow from the reception refreshments table, spicy queso-flavored and white cheddar Pop Corners with sides of cranberry and nut mixes were the final tastes of a perfect evening.
We can all be creators, in whatever form that takes.
Sharon
