Carole Pressnall & Maggie Neely
Photographs: PUBLIC WORKS & BALTIMORE SIDEWAYS

Oct 8 - Nov 29, 2009
Reception, Thursday, Oct 8, 6-8pm
Sowebo Gallery @ Zellas Pizzeria
1145 Hollins Street / Baltimore MD 21223
www.zellaspizzeria.com

Carole Pressnall

Biography:
Carole Pressnall M.F.A. MICA graduate / Art teacher: 34 years in the Maryland, public education system.

Artist Statement:
PUBLIC WORKS: through an abstract lens…
We barely notice what passes beneath our feet, as we plod merrily along to our usual destinations. This is a photographic homage to the blue collar men and woman, who - through the sweat of their brow, strength and might, help build and maintain the vast network of Public Works projects that make up Baltimore’s infrastructure. On a daily basis, these unsung heroes, machines and resources add an untold measure of comfort to our lives; but we rarely notice them - let alone express gratitude for these structures…until one fails.
Creative Alliance life drawing class:
One drizzly Saturday, as I was leaving my Creative Alliance class, I was struck by the simple beauty of a water-filled, recessed gas main cover. The combination of floating leaves juxtaposed with cloud reflections, instantly elevated the ordinary, cast-iron plate to an object-de-art; so I took out my cell phone. As I photographed my way back to my car, I documented an array of enigmatic, spray-painted sidewalk symbols -- along with an endless variety of patterned manhole covers; which I quickly turned into a tableau of colorful, abstract images.
From that point on, I became enamored with recording the never-ending designs and textures that I was discovering on the sidewalks, streets and byways of my neighborhood. My cropped, highly-magnified images span the Public Works gambit -- encompassing cast-iron water, sewer and gas main covers; storm drains, pipes and water flows; sidewalks, curbs and access ramps; macadam streets and alleyways; as well as construction workers, signs, dump trucks and highway equipment.
Filtered through the lens of my mind’s meditative eye, I am confidant that my extreme, abstract approach to this mundane subject will inspire others to more closely observe and honor the countless, ongoing Public Works construction projects that provide a quality of well-being to our lives. Public Works is framed in identical Plexiglas boxes; which adds a Zen-like simplicity to the exhibit. The majority of the pictures were photographed in East Baltimore - except for a few that were captured in parks, shopping malls and Interstate 95. My cell phone resolution was set at 2048 x 1536.
Carole Pressnall M.F.A.
Brave heart & Blessed Be…

Maggie Neely

Artist Statement:
Baltimore Sideways
Or
If I did not know those were buildings WHAT WOULD I SEE?
I have always liked to see things from a different direction. Bending over upside down and looking at the world fascinates me. I can not do it so much as I age. It makes me dizzy. Getting low to the ground so I can see how the world might look to a toddler who is playing on the floor or a baby resting in a stroller has been a common practice of mine.

I love Baltimore. I walk around the harbor and Charles Street almost daily. The reflections in the water and in the windows are quite interesting. I have taken “the same pictures” dozens of times. Actually, the pictures are taken from more or less the same place or of the same thing. But of course they are always different. The weather, the light, a slight nuance in the camera position, and even my mood all make a difference.

Much of the fascination in this for me is the abstract qualities of what I see. I focus on the shapes, colors and relationships. I am thrilled when I come upon symmetry in the city. The harbor offers some amazing and delightful treats for my eyes and brain. I also love those mirror like windows in office buildings, or any window that reflects its surroundings. By placing the camera sideways against the window pane, the image obtained is a kaleidoscopic representation of city life. This is what you would see if you rested one ear on the window, with your eye as close to the surface as possible, and viewed the resulting cityscape. It creates a different form of symmetry where pedestrians seem to walk into themselves or disappear at the mid line and buildings dissolve into themselves.

My purpose in this series is simply to explore visually and to find something new as I pass by those places that have become commonplace to me. I hope you enjoy them and develop a fresh outlook toward your own surroundings as you go through your days.

For those of you who are more literal in your viewing habits, my images are also pleasing when viewed right side up.