Friday, May 08, 2015

Exploring the Untraveled Imagination

The Gallery at The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center in East Stroudsburg, PA held an Artists’ Reception on Saturday May 2nd for their exhibition titled, “Untraveled.” The exhibit features the work of Susan and Stephen Washington who not only share a life together as husband and wife but also a remarkable eye for the essence of reality they're able to define through their exquisite mastery of the medium each finds a kinship to. Although each artist's approach and accomplishments can serve to redefine the artistic experience of those fortunate enough to view their work, together they present a wholeness of wonderments that incite the imagination to touch its ever expanding boundaries and go beyond them.

Ms. Washington's work utilizes its abstract qualities to entice the viewer to embark upon a journey through their linear and spacial realities in order to find a pathway that is unmarked, unexplored, and uniquely theirs. Each step taken upon this undiscovered route leads one deeper and deeper into their own essence as they create the landmarks they are meant to discover and this eventually brings a wholeness within themselves that is derived from the scattered pieces of their perceived existence. There is a beauty in the work of Ms. Washington that is embodied in its colors and enameled surfaces. But one feels this presentation of beauty is really a device utilized by the piece to lure the viewer into it's domain so he/she can begin their life changing journey. And, that's a good thing.

Mr. Washington also utilizes the abstract approach to flesh out the obscurities of reality to great effect. However, unlike his wife who utilizes space to intrigue one to traverse the pathways through their imagination, Mr. Washington presents his work as a series of layers whose discoveries rely upon the viewer's desire to search his/her imagination to reveal what is underneath. This not only encourages the viewer to go beyond the surface of the piece they're experiencing but also of the daily camouflages one encounters throughout one's life. Some of these camouflages are created externally while others come from one's own self deception. But, regardless of their point of origin, pealing away the layers that hide the deeper realities that bring our lives its meaning, will allow our roads to become traveled ones.

A great number of art lovers were present during the reception as was a nice variety of foods. The flavor of the food and conversations were enhanced by the congenial and welcoming atmosphere created by the two artists. I recommend exploring the work while it continues to be on display at the venue while journeying toward the cinematic adventures the establishment offers as you may find a side road that leads to a place within that remains untraveled to. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the Artists' Reception in The Untraveled exhibition at PCT 05-02-15 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153830271973761.1073741846.91146283760&type=1 along with other events taking place at the venue in The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center 2015 Archives at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153010517235421.1073741962.636000420&type=3 as well as art related events occurring at various locations in the Creative Arts 2015 Archive at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.819876711417115.1073741834.250942068310585&type=1.

The Gallery at The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center in East Stroudsburg, PA will continue to display their “Untraveled” exhibition featuring the work of Susan and Stephen Washington until June 28th. The artists featured in their next exhibition are yet to be announced. In addition to hosting art exhibits, The Pocono Community Theater and Cultural Center presents a variety of films popularly current as well revivals of those films released in the past. They also host special events such as their Book Club which explore novels that have been adapted to the screen and are currently being shown in the theater. Please Explore The Pocono Community Theater Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PoconoCommunityTheater for more information.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

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