The Photographic Abstractions of Deborah Mills Thackrey

ASK is hosting an exhibition, in their Spotlight Gallery, of abstract photographs by award-winning photographer Deborah Mills Thackrey during the month of April. In striving to capture the essence of an image, Thackrey is intrigued by perceptual ambiguities as well as gritty surfaces eroded by time, weather, and neglect. In her “Abstractions” series, she creates painterly compositions by carefully selecting details of cracked and peeling paint, graffiti and rust with her camera and transforming the images into expressive works of art. Her keen eye captures details overlooked by most, from a fleeting reflection on water to drips of paint on an artist’s floor.

Juror Helen Golden said, about a Thackrey photograph ‘Glass Brick, Dream Landscape’ (awarded First Place in a Pacific Art League show), “It is a creative success because it manages to be emotionally satisfying at the same time that it is challenging and provocative. It goes beyond technical competence as it gets to the essence of what a visual statement is about.”

Michael Katakis, author, photographer, and manager of Ernest Hemingway’s literary estate, also praised her work. “Looking at her ‘Reflections’ series I am taken aback at how she sees designs and colors in things and places that most of us pass by and never see. The images, unaltered, are simply beautiful and they beckon the viewer to pause, take a breath and luxuriate in the patterns. It is clear that she is traveling down a unique road…leaving clues that suggest a true creative spirit at work.”

The opening reception is on Saturday, April 6, from 3 to 5 pm. ASK will host an Artist’s Talk and slideshow on Friday, April 12 at 5:30. The exhibition is open through April 27, Thurs – Sun noon to 5pm. Or by appointment at (408) 623-9888.

For more information about Deborah Mills Thackrey’s work, visit www.dmt-art.com, follow deborahmillsthackrey on Instagram.