GEMS IN AQUA
Jewelry and Photography
Date: March 13 to April 7, 2009
Reception: Friday, March 13, 7:30 to 9:30 P.M.
Master jeweler Victor Gabriel's lapidary work is his interpretation of a multi-colored sculpture. His style ranges from traditional stamped silver work to contemporary inlay. His stones include turquoise, coral, lapis, and sugilite, as well as precious gems—opal, aquamarine, amethyst, citrine, and blue topaz. Victor is Washoe Indian, growing up in San Francisco but spending summers in Nevada's Carson City Indian Colony. During those vacations, his grandmother and uncle bestowed a love of Washoe customs and religion. His striking jewelry pays homage to this heritage.
Ursula Esser's photography explores the shapes and patterns of water, with some imagery more abstract than others. Her color work includes abstract elements and ethereal hues that echo the gems in Victor's jewelry—turquoise, coral, amethyst and opal. The black and white images are long exposures of waterfalls and cascades. Three of the images will also be included in a juried show entitled ‘In Dialog with Ansel Adams’ at the Reynolds Gallery in Stockton to honor the renowned photographer during the Brubeck Festival at the University of the Pacific next month. Ursula’s images will be exhibited together with original prints by Adams and work from 8 other photographers.