Art has a unique way of revealing the extraordinary beauty hidden within the ordinary. That belief drives the creative journey of abstract photographer Ms. Wonder.
Her photographs capture the fleeting beauty of shimmering reflections, transforming ordinary surfaces into a canvas of abstract artistry.
Her latest achievement, selected for the 'Mood Indigo' exhibition at Sunset River Gallery, is a testament to her remarkable ability to transform the mundane into the magnificent."
The Vision Behind the Lens
Wonder explains that Georgia O'Keeffe's influence has taught here that:
“When we take time to really notice the everyday, seemingly mundane, we can find a new way of seeing—a way in which the ordinary becomes extraordinary.”
One of her favorite methods is to capture intimate, detailed images of ships that brave the elements to cross vast oceans. The weathered hulls, with their layer of colors, bear the marks of countless journeys. The abstract forms created by wind, waves, and time come alive in her photographs, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty that often goes unseen.
The Journey to 'Mood Indigo'
The 'Mood Indigo' exhibition showcases artworks that explore the depth and emotion of the color indigo. Sunset River Gallery, renowned for its exceptional collection of regional art, issued a Call for Art and received far more submissions than could be accommodated for this themed show. Ms. Wonder’s “Celestial Sky Bursts” was among the select few chosen, a recognition that left her both honored and thrilled.
The journey to this moment was as meticulous as her photographic process. First came the image selection: choosing a piece that not only resonated with the theme but also showcased her signature style.
Her curated photograph, "Celestial Sky Bursts," is a striking example of her artistry. As part of the submission process, she crafted a compelling paragraph to accompany her work:
"Celestial Sky Bursts" invites you to lose yourself in the rich depths of indigo, a color that evokes the infinite wonder of the cosmos. Vertical bursts of white and red streak upward, like distant starfire breaking through the quiet darkness. A notable red line slices the bottom, evoking a planet's surface or the boundary of a faraway world. It’s a moment of stillness and wonder, where the universe speaks in bursts of light."
Preparation and Presentation
Once “Celestial Sky Bursts” was accepted, the countdown to the exhibition began. Art drop-off day on January 30th was marked by careful preparation, ensuring the piece arrived ready to dazzle. Then came the opening night celebration on February 1st, a festive wine reception where artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the new show.
Standing beside her photograph in the gallery, Ms. Wonder reflected on the journey. From capturing the initial image on the Cape Fear River to seeing it displayed alongside other remarkable works, this moment was a culmination of her dedication to the craft and her belief in the power of art to transform the way we see the world.
A New Way of Seeing
Ms. Wonder’s work is deeply inspired by the legacy of Georgia O’Keeffe, whose paintings encouraged viewers to slow down and appreciate the beauty in small, often overlooked details. Through her photography, Ms. Wonder invites us to do the same.
As she puts it, “When I stop trying to understand abstract art and simply allow myself to pay attention, my inner critic fades away, and everything becomes as it should be.” This belief is the philosophy at the heart of her practice and resonates in every image she creates.
Looking Ahead
The 'Mood Indigo' exhibition is just the beginning of an exciting year for Ms. Wonder and her artistic journey. With four additional photographs currently on display at Sunset River Gallery and plans for future projects, she’s poised to continue inspiring viewers to find beauty in the everyday.
Ms. Wonder’s art is a testament to her belief that beauty truly is all around us—if we take the time to see it.