Currently showing at Dimbola Galleries and Museum, Freshwater Bay is an exhibition entitled ‘Plants in a Different Light’.
This collection has been mounted by Jan Ramscar, who utilised botanical projections called photograms.
Using plant materials as the basis of the project Jan achieved the images without resorting to a camera.
In a darkroom she shined a light through flowers and seeds onto photographic paper, to create unique and intricate results.
Certain colours are filtered out during the process, allowing only the remaining colours to reach the light-sensitive paper.
Original prints are then scanned before a Photoshop process makes digital files of the photograms.
This fascinating collection of images are incredibly detailed and lifelike and is a far more accurate representation than conventional botanical drawings.
A second current exhibition at Dimbola features the photography of Pete Johnstone- ‘West Wight People and Place.’
Describing himself as a recent newcomer to the area Pete set himself a challenge. This was to capture images of West Wight characters in various situations.
Images include: Long-time Countryside Officer Bob Edney captured on film at Mill Copse, Yarmouth. At Afton Cliffs four members of the Needles Coastguard Rescue Team are shown in action whilst fifth generation grocer Mark Orchard is depicted outside his store in Freshwater Bay- Orchard Brothers was established in 1865- and Gary Mowle cabinet maker is caught in action at his workshop near Golden Hill.
Both exhibitions continue until the 13th of May 2018.
At Dimbola, to celebrate the Hidden Heroes project they are offering Island Residents (please provide proof of IW address) the opportunity to visit the home of Hidden Hero Julia Margaret Cameron for only £2 entry on selected weekends:24th & 25th February, 3rd & 4th March,10th & 11th March, 17th & 18th March and 24th & 25th March.
In addition, Dimbola arranged a Hidden Heroes Free Family Drop- In Workshop with Hannah George last Saturday. This was well attended with visitors creating their own woks using decoupage and photomontage.