There’s something about the ocean and it’s partnering with sandy shores that invokes fantasies of chasing adventures lying beyond the horizon and staying still to enjoy the soothing vista. Photography by Patti Courville manages to channel both wishes into works that present findings from a personal search for meaning and the discovery of value.

Courville's solo exhibition "Mother Lode" opening tonight (March 3, 2012) at 4 North Main Street Gallery in Southampton. The show presents "treasures found" in the form of noteworthy moments noticed along the way and an appreciation for waterside views of Long Island.

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"Lobster Inn Sunflower" by Patti Courville

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The exhibition's title, "Mother Lode," is a double entendre, said Courville. "In one way, it's a metaphor for personal and spiritual search to find the great value within and express it through art and techniques, refined as part of life's journey in learning in expressing," she said. "In another way, it's a look at what we attract, covet and collect that has meaning and value to us."

The photograph, "Mother Lode" was captured during a "slow-moving event as the sea kelp drifted up to greet me, curl up and wave, then slip back into the Pacific," Courville said. "People and situations are like this in life: they come and go...we come and go...but ultimately, we are 'traveling' and, hopefully, pausing to enjoy the view."

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"Mother Lode" by Patti Courville

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Ultimately, the search for the Mother Lode of the perfect image or perfect moment is also a spiritual search and a discovery of self. Realizations can crystallize the values, experiences and memories held most dear, said Courville.

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"East Hampton Lifeguard" by Patti Courville

"Memorabilia" by Patti Courville

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Some photographs capture transitions where loss and change gives way to enlightenment, hope and optimism, Courville said. Others celebrate pristine beaches and the "sunny day / blue sky feelings" caused by noticing them. Still others pay homage to natural places on the East End that have been lost to construction.

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"Fire Island Wagon" by Patti Courville

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As a whole, the show provides uplifting images that offer optimism and the belief that happiness exists even during times of transition and loss, said Courville. Taking time to slow down and notice the arrival of the sublime may be the key.

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"Moonrise Dune Road Ocean" by Patti Courville

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"Mother Lode" presents a range of printing techniques that Courville has been exploring over the years. They range from traditional silver gelatin prints to ink jet.

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From "Sunlite Series" by Patti Courville

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Beach glass jewelry handmade by Gerarda Boger of Southold is also part of the show. Both women take an organic approach to making art and keeping the work authentic, Courville said. Boger is a perennial plant "propagator" at The Plantage in Cutchogue when she's not making jewelry.

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East End Beach Glass. Photograph by Patti Courville.

East End Beach Glass. Photograph by Patti Courville.

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BASIC FACTS: "Mother Lode" will be on view from Mar 3 to 12, 2012 at 4 North Main Gallery, Southampton, NY. The exhibition is a solo exhibition of photography by Patti Courville with jewelry made by Gerarda Boger for East End Beach Glass. An opening will be held tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. Besides the opening, tea and cookies will be served on weekends.

4 North Main Street Gallery is located at 4 North Main Street in Southampton.   http://4northmaingallery.com/

Patti Courville: www.etsy.com/shop/gardengravure. Courville's website will go live shortly: http://www.patticourville.com/

East End Beach Glass: www.eastendbeachglass.com/

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© 2012 Pat Rogers and Hamptons Art Hub LLC. All rights reserved.

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2 comments

  1. Having moved from Long Island years ago these photos bring back memories long overshadowed by newer ones. They are fantastic! Very proud to say I know the artist who took them. Awesome job Patti!

  2. I have a beautiful photograph framed by Patti Courville . The setting is at dusk of a high rise bridge looking west with car light trails and street lights . I was curious as to whether Mrs.Courville frequented the Ormond Beach Florida area being this photograph resembles the Granada Bridge on state road 40 here in town . Any such knowledge would gladly be appreciated.
    Thank you ,
    Marc Adams

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