Measuring life in Gross Domestic Happiness: ‘Illuminated Journeys’ photo exhibit opens Nov. 20 in Morristown

Ira L. Black work, part of the 'Illuminated Journeys' exhibit coming to the 70 South Gallery.
Ira L. Black work, part of the 'Illuminated Journeys' exhibit coming to the 70 South Gallery.
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Ira L. Black work, part of the 'Illuminated Journeys' exhibit coming to the 70 South Gallery.
Ira L. Black photo, part of the ‘Illuminated Journeys’ exhibit coming to the 70 South Gallery.

Ira L. Black and his camera have explored many exotic places, including the Land of the Thunder Dragon, where he says “life is measured in Gross Domestic Happiness.”

That certainly grabs our attention.  If you’re curious, too, you can quiz Black on Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, at the opening of Illuminated Journeys, a new exhibition at Morristown’s  70 South Gallery.

The reception runs from 6 pm to 8 pm. Also featured are works by fine art photographer Danielle Wilkinson  and Sydney Lieberman, a Livingston native attending the University of Michigan.

Here are more details.

FROM THE 70 SOUTH GALLERY

The yearning to explore exotic lands, to find the connectedness between nature and the human spirit, and to embrace comfort in light is the focus of 70 South Gallery’s next show.

70 South Gallery is pleased to announce Illuminated Journeys, a new photography exhibit which features the detailed and meditative Photographic Mandalas from Nature of fine art photographer Danielle Wilkinson, vibrant and spiritual images from a backpacking expedition through the Land of the Thunder Dragon (Bhutan) and India by professional photographer Ira L. Black and a masterful study in composition and texture of the illuminations in our world by emerging photographer Sydney Lieberman.

Open to the public Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, from 6-8 pm.

Morristown, N.J.: Morristown’s first unique community-focused photography gallery and service center: 70 South Gallery is pleased to announce the artists for its next exhibition, Illuminated Journeys. The public is invited to an opening reception on Friday November, 20, 2015 from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Gina Cerbone, Gallery Curator states, “I believe the theme of the show, Illuminated Journey, has a universal appeal. It is forged in taking time to walkabout in the world as well as into one’s own spiritual self-exploration.”

Cerbone continues, “The geometric mandalas of Danielle Wilkinson offer the viewer an opportunity to embark on a visual and spiritual tour. I was struck by the message of universal peace and connection that is evident in them.

“This is further highlighted in the stunning images of prayer flags, religious representations, and people from Ira L. Black’s backpacking voyage through Bhutan and India, where religion is interwoven into the fabric of life.

“Sydney Lieberman’s interpretation of lights have an ethereal, otherworldly quality about them that became the final component in telling the story of the exhibition.”

Myles Sandrian, Operations Manager states, “This is our ninth exhibition and the first one since celebrating our one year anniversary.” Sandrian continues, “With the holidays approaching and people getting together with their families, our theme of peace and connection seems more appropriate and relevant.”

About the Artists:

Danielle Wilkinson is an artist/photographer and public high school photography teacher; just entering her twelfth year as an educator. Danielle has been creating art with various mediums for as long as she can remember. The artwork presented in Photographic Mandalas from Nature is blends Danielle’s yearning to combine traditional artistic techniques with photography and to share a message – universal connection and peace. Danielle describes herself as a very spiritual person. Her art directly reflects this.

'Dancing Tree,' a 'Photographic Mandala from Nature'  by Danielle Wilkinson
‘Dancing Tree,’ a ‘Photographic Mandala from Nature’ by Danielle Wilkinson

Danielle has furthered her spiritual connection be creating digital mandala, images created from nature.. Mandalas are ancient images that have a deep connection to the universal spirit.

Danielle describes: “My intention is to awaken this connection in all of us by creating these beautifully intricate images. Nature has a way of creating amazing patterns and repetition. By mirroring these patterns, traditional symbolic mandala images form.”

She continues: “Each mandala has a way of drawing the viewer into the present moment and taking him/her on a journey. This journey can be visual, personal, spiritual or all of the above!”

Ira L. Black is a NY/NJ-based professional photographer that has photographed His Holiness The Dalai Lama, David Beckham, Jay Sean, Danielle Brooks and many others. His images have been featured on the cover of magazines, newspapers and websites worldwide. Ira is a passionate digital media educator of adults and students. He founded the I Rock Arts program for teaching, which integrates Arts with other school curriculum disciplines.

Having traveled and photographed in over 30 countries, Ira has honed a skill in meeting indigenous people and finding the common ground that unites us all. The images that are displayed are from his six-month around the world trip, which included Bhutan and India. “It was inspiring to be in the Land of the Thunder Dragon where life is measured by Gross Domestic Happiness, and India which is magical and sometimes maddening all in the same day, or hour.”

Ira is also the Gallery Director at 70 South Gallery where he is responsible for identifying the high school student and professional photographers that have been featured in the gallery. Ira is the moderator and the host of the successful series of candid artist talks, The Informal Lens, at 70 South Gallery.

Sydney Lieberman photo, part of 'Illuminated Journeys' exhibition in Morristown.
Sydney Lieberman photo, part of ‘Illuminated Journeys’ exhibition in Morristown.

Sydney Lieberman is originally from Livingston, NJ, and just recently moved to West Orange. She attended the Pingry School where she studied film and digital photography. Sydney is currently attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as a student in the college of literature, science, and the arts. She plans on applying to a business and psychology program called Organizational Studies. A serious athlete and an avid photographer who has found the same release from both of these very different passions.

70 South Gallery is a unique retail store that combines the best of a photography gallery and service center. Our mission is to support photographers (both amateurs and professionals) by providing a central location where they can collaborate, admire and share their work with each other. Photographers of all kinds have the opportunity to exhibit their photographs while art-lovers and collectors have the opportunity to own original and remarkable photographic art.

The 70 South Gallery is located at 70 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960.

For more information, please visit www.70southgallery.com, reach out to 973-539-2112 or Gallery Director, Ira L. Black.

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