In a Sea of Light
PICTURE PERFECT
The Saddleback College Art Gallery hosted a reception Thursday for the opening of its new exhibit, “In a Sea of Light: The Iconic Landscape.” The artist Pamme F. Turner, a Saddleback professor, takes onlookers on a journey through the Mediterranean with a compilation of drawings and paintings.
A stroll through the gallery is like taking a cruise on the Mediterranean Sea, with stops in France, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Croatia. The tone is light and breezy, and the art is full of life. The crisp white walls allow the vibrancy of the colors to pop and seize the audiences attention. The archway, which was built specifically for this exhibit, adds a depth of culture to the gallery. One particular piece, Spring Rain, was painted on a rainy day in Manarola, Italy. The cloudy skies in the painting were actually garlanded with real raindrops. These details take the audience from looking at a picture, to feeling like they’re seeing a rainy day in Italy. Also featured is a theater area showcasing a series of videos highlighting Turner’s journey.
“I think it’s wonderful because it’s a teaching art exhibit,” said student Tod Glen, 29, undecided.
The collection of art is a result of Turner’s five-and-a-half month sabbatical across the Mediterranean.
“I painted every single day,” Turner said.
With many adventures like traveling to Catacus and hearing the wind “howling all the time like a Stephen King movie,” or getting lost in France and ending up in the fields of a van Gogh painting, Turner was presented with a plethora of inspiration. But Turner’s favorite piece is a watercolor painted at 6 in the morning in Bonendi, entitled 6 a.m..
“The Villager wear clothes they’ve worn since the 17th century; it’s an incredible place,” Turner said.
The trip resulted in a learning experience for the artist and teacher.
“If you don’t think about what you’re painting you, paint better in spite of yourself,” Turner said.
Opening night proved to be a success. There was a large turnout, many of them friends and supporters of Turner.
“It was a fantastic opening, and very well received by everybody,” said Art Gallery Director Bob Rickerson. “I’m very happy for Pamme, she put a lot of work into it.”
The Gallery is open Monday through Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. and Thursday evenings from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will also be open Saturday Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
