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H o m e G a i l R u s s e l l P o r t f o l i o C o n t a c t N e w s R e v i e w s

Water Is Life

Gail Russell dedicates new exhibition to the need for moisture

By Phaedra Greenwood

Taos, and all of northern New Mexico, is desicated this spring by a dry white wind. "We need to appreciate, value and conserve the water we do have." said photographer Gail Russell of Arroyo Hondo.

In her back yard a big willow tree beside the acequia is dying because the irrigation water hasn't yet reached the west end of the valley.

It's no wonder her most recent photography show is dedicated to water and sharing some images of "Light Along the River." The opening reception is May 26, 2-7pm at Mountain Light Bed and Breakfast Inn and Gallery in Arroyo Hondo, which has been Russells home since 1977.

"I've often thought of Taos as a place of renewal, a place that lifts the spirit." Russell said. "I hope these images reflect that."

Up to 40 Giclee prints in varying sizes focus on Southwest landscapes and plant life, interspersed with arresting images of ancient sites in foreign countries, such as temples in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Mexico and Belize.

Russell's trademark has become her Giclee prints, made by scanning and digitally mastering her negatives and oil colored original sepia-toned prints. The thick, archival watercolor paper lends a sensual depth and texture to the images. The tints she chooses enhance a shift from the fast pace of the 21st century to the mood of a bygone era.

Using mainly earth tones of sienna and forrest green, she portrays a quieter time in the southwest.

"I wondered what it must have looked like around here 100 years ago." she said.

Her images have preserved some places that no longer exist, such as the old Santo Domingo Trading Post and gas station with a sign hoisted high on a pole that says, "JFK was here."

Another image, "The Golden Pony," in watercolor on Arches paper, celebrates a memory in the details of a nickel pony ride for youngsters under the shade of the portal.

One of her favorite places to photograph has been the hot springs at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, she said, "before the renovation."

"Women's Pool" recalls what it was like when women could bathe nude together in a special pool just for them. "Georgia's Lunch Counter." with a warm colored ceiling and cool green walls, preserves the simplicity of a 1950s diner with a row of red vinyl covered stools at the counter and a stately rack of antlers on the wall. This was the old dining room at Ojo before it was renovated, Russell said.

A group of photographs in the front hall honors her Indian visitors from Montana, " Sisters" and grandmothers from the Crow clan. Emma and Rita. "They are both excellent beaders." Russell said with a laugh.

"Gourd Dancers" portrays two Indian men in full costume posed before tepees at the annual Taos Pueble Pow-Wow (conducted on the second weekend in July). The flame-like sepia tint in the background evokes a surge of life.

"I think of color as an emotional value." she said.

For 15 years Russell coordinated an international program, Adopt-A-Grandparent, to aid the elders of the Lakota tribe at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Her home is decorated with some of their exquisite hand-sewn quilts. This year marks the first year of her retirement from the program, which continues from its new base in Madison, Wisconsin.

Her images from Sri Lanka are more startling partly because they are unfamiliar to most Westerners. For Russell, the main draw to Sri Lanka was her brother, who was heading up a primary nonprofit economic development project, she said. "Elephant's Spa" is a delightful peek at full-grown elephants indulging in their favorite watering hole, half submerged in the river, napping

Another striking image is "Buddha and the Palms," the placid figure of a gigantic meditating Buddha set among the waving palms on top of a shrine in Sri Lanka.

"I've had an ongoing interest in antiquities," Russell said. "I choose to go where I can visit ancient sites."

The show is a "walkabout" she explained, with changes at each stop. First seen at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs last fall, it will be at Mountain Light from May 26 through June 30; then it travels to Denver, Colorado to be exhibited at the Sonny Walker Gallery from July 10 through September 30.

For directions to Mountain Light on Atalaya Road in Arroyo Hondo, follow the signs from Herb's Lounge; call 776-8474 or email: mtnlight@taosnet.com

Reprinted from Tempo Magazine / The Taos News 5/16/2002