Al Davalle

(This post appeared simultaneously on Aline Smithson's blog Lenscratch)

I first came across the work of Al Davalle on the Lenswork website. His ghostly, abstract black-and white-images caught my eye because they were like nothing I had ever seen before, and when I found out that they are images of wood dust frozen by strobe lights, I was intrigued. It turns out Al has been working with wood for over 25 years and he loves wood and loves trees and so was prodded to do a photo project about this passion by his friend, the amazing photographer and teacher Jeff Curto.

Over several months, Al said he shot hundreds of images of wood - of the furniture he was making, his woodworking tools, wood varnishes, and even the trees in the woods behind his house. None of these photographs stuck with him. But one day, while sitting in his woodshop, he saw the light hitting the wood dust floating through the air and he realized how beautiful it was and thought he'd try to capture it.

The results, a project he has named "A Universe Within," are mesmerizing.

Everything Matters

I was surrounded by artists asking me about the title to my show. In a way, it was an easy out, a title that would encompass all, but I was feeling especially connected to the world when I chose it and well, everything does matter (one artist told me a friend of her's had a show called "Matter Matters" which is also true).

The week leading up to the show opening was pretty blissful. I was staying at Ragdale again and two fawns (named "Rag" and "Dale") greeted me when I arrived. I took walks and saw hundreds of dragon flies, butterflies of all colors and a frog or two. The sound of the fountain lulled me to sleep and even the heat and mosquitoes couldn't dampen my spirits (and it was HOT!). I met another amazing group of residents, felt lifted by their artistic energy and their stories. Among the group was a playright and a performance artist, so the group was very lively. I even got to collaborate on a performance by Travis (see photo)

All this is to say, everything really does matter and I feel very lucky when I find the time to slow down and really look and listen.



And I got a wonderful review of my show

Recent Exhibitions

My image "Sunday Morning" was chosen for the Vermont PhotoPlace Gallery exhibition "Nostalgia," juried by Larissa Leclair.

This image was chosen for the exhibition Bed Two, juried by Harvey Stein and shown at the Umbrella Arts Gallery in Manhattan.