January 3-27, 2023. Hint of Spring: Photos by Chuck Isenhart, Gerald Podraza and Debra Runkle.
Gallery Director
As I write this essay, the temperature is -5 degrees below 0. (I'm just talking temperature; windchill of course is much worse.) For the length of this exhibit, it will probably not stay as cold, but I can assume ice, slush and snow for January. I'm not a soothsayer; I just live in the midwest and I know what to expect.
Rarely is art about expectations, though. The best of it usually defies expectations. Most folks like to define art as something which exempliies beauty and while I wouldn't disagree, I think it is also as much about surprise. These three artists are clearly all about surprise in detail, color and focus. They seem to leave little to chance. We can't escape their vision.
"Here - look at this frog really looking at you."
"This isn't just a barn or a painting; it's a relationship."
"Now this is what your middle school science teacher really should've showed you about a flower."
We can't escape from these images. They require us to examine them in detail whether we want to or not. They speak to us as nature and maybe more. These works seem almost religious in their humble message of love in God's world. They remind me of Psalm 96 - "Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy." Perhaps you don't feel this way. I get it. But I would be surprised if the photographers disagreed with me.
Would our reactions to these fine photographs by Dubuque area artists Chuck Isenhart, Gerald Podraza and Debra Runkle be the same if it was 98 degrees outside with our lawns of brown, crispy grass? I think so. Their reverence for nature, for contrasts, and for figure/ground relationships that each photograph displays seems timeless.
But don't get me wrong. I really appreciate them even more with that frigid layer of white outside. We hope you enjoy our toasty warm gallery exhibition.
Alan Garfield, Director
Bisignano Art Gallery
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The brochure that accompanies this exhibit was funded by a gallery grant given by Bill (C’68) and Judith (C’67) Crandall. As an artist (Judi) and art aficionado (Bill), they recognize the significance of a vibrant visual arts presence in this learning environment we call university. We are grateful for their support.
Hint of Spring Poster:
Isenhart, Podraza & Runkle
Artist's Statement
I am a self-trained photographer who did his own work from A to Z as a newspaper reporter and freelance writer early in my working career, back in the days before digital. For many years that interest languished. However, I started to routinely take my camera with me when I took refuge in nature, as many people did, during the pandemic. I found myself focusing on the diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna I encountered on my adventures, including how I observed people interacting with nature.
I especially enjoy unexpected encounters with birds, butterflies, insects, mushrooms, unusual flowers, gnarly trees, gorgeous sunsets, rarely seen animals or patterns in nature that make good screen savers. I think I have a natural eye for composition but admit that I am still a novice at working the settings on my cameras and lenses. Many times I don't realize what I have until I download the photos to my computer, and often I feel lucky to get one or two keepers out of 100 clicks.
I am just beginning to explore the various ways I can manifest these results with public and private audiences. This exhibit is one of my first forays, and I appreciate Prof. Garfield's invitation. For the most part, I am satisfied with lightly editing my photos and sharing them virtually on social media. With the help of professionals, such as members of the Dubuque Camera Club -- who have more tools for and experience in post-production -- maybe you will see more of what I do primarily for personal enjoyment as "photographic works" in the future.
