"Translucence and Imagery, Jewelry and Photography" Photography by David Brix and Jewelry by Deborah Threlkel • Opening at Coast Highway Art Collective, May 1
By Rozann Grunig
The members of the Coast Highway Art Collective are excited to invite the community to an opening reception on Saturday, May 1 from noon to 5:00pm. The exhibit features the works of guest artists David Brix, photographer and Deborah Threlkel, Abalone Queen Jewelry.
Brix began taking photographs when he was in college, using a Nikon FM film SLR, taking photos for class assignments of parties and college life. He soon discovered the landscapes of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, inspiring a new direction in his art. Brix has seen a lot of changes in photography development over the years, moving from developing prints in his bathroom late at night to working on digital editing. “What has not changed for me along the way is the pleasure I get in making a photograph and bringing it to life, and the satisfaction I get in capturing the awe and beauty I find in the world,” says Brix.
Initially, Brix struck out on his own, creating a business in digital imaging (digital and graphic illustration, retouching, and pre-press.) In 2006, desiring a more stable and lucrative career, he decided to pursue another kind of imaging as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. While not as expressive, it allowed him to help others, as well as to afford his creative passions.
Brix says “These days, I am blessed and thrilled to be able to explore even more of the beauty that our natural environment has to offer. I have rekindled my love for shooting landscapes, nightscapes, and travel images, as well as more abstract images. I hope that you enjoy my photographs as much as I have enjoyed creating them!” For more information about Brix and his work visit Brix's website, ww.brix-photography.com.
Threlkel had been making jewelry for 20 years before moving to Gualala 10 years ago. She was so inspired by the area, she wanting to create a connection to the beauty of the natural world she found here. Abalone Queen Jewelry was conceptualized, honoring the tradition and beauty of the abalone shell found along the California Coast. The intricate and creative earrings and necklaces crafted by Threlkel are well-known for their delicate appearance, which is as unique and beautiful as it is strong and durable.
Every piece has its own inspiration and story from within her experiences and each result is a one-of-a-kind creation. “With the earth and oceans always changing, I can see as I gather and collect that there is no longer the abundance of material that used to be found as I beach comb. Many of the shells and their inhabitants are gone, some facing extinction, making each piece of jewelry that much rarer and more precious,” Threlkel says. “When assembling my designs, I use different combinations of shells, coral, drilled beach glass, luminous pearls and high-quality gemstone beads. I wire wrap each piece of jewelry creating a chain out of a single piece of wire using either sterling silver, gold or gold fill wire. As much as I love the act of creating my art with Abalone Queen Jewelry, it is through one-on-one transactions, of bringing joy, connecting and building relationships that I feel truly grateful to be doing what I do.”
The show runs from May 1 - 30. The Coast Highway Art Collective is regularly open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00am to 2:00pm. The gallery is located at 284 Main Street, Point Arena, next door to the Redwood Credit Union. More information is available at www.coast-highway-artists.com.
Images:
Top: "Crater Lake Milky Way" by David Brix.
Center: "Snow Canyon UT" by David Brix.
Bottom: "Abalone Pearls" by Deborah Threlkel
