Ethereal Reflections

Intricate patterns created by reflected light are the focus of an exhibit at McKay Imaging Photography Studio & Gallery in Red Bank.

Reflection No. 33 "Ethereal Reflections," the first solo exhibit of photographs by Rande Johnson, opens Friday and will run through June 19 at the Monmouth Street gallery.

An opening reception will take place 7-10 p.m. Friday.

In an artist's statement, Johnson, a tradesman, explains the process he uses to capture the complex, layered photographs of brilliant light patterns.

"Nature is composed of patterns: those that exist and those that are being created. Science has devised theories and mathematical formulas for the process nature uses to generate patterns. Using these ideas, I thought that if I could direct light into a random state, it would reveal some of these designs.

"I built three-dimensional structures that continued to build up layers of reflected light out of the three primary colors. I experiment with different irregularities in these systems until I find one that can dramatically change the imagery," continues Johnson, of Asbury Park. "I then photograph areas in this structure where my eye is drawn to its sophistication and beauty, areas of order within chaos. All patterns are right- or left-handed. When the two are combined, the symmetry it creates is even more elegant. I used this idea, again and again, to move my photographs to higher and higher levels of complexity."

Reflection No. 30 According to gallery owners Bob and Liz McKay, this is not only Johnson's first solo exhibit, but the first time he is showing his art publicly. What's more, Johnson conceived of the photographs, then borrowed a camera to act on his artistic inspiration.

"This coming out, a huge leap for Rande, is more than the realization of a personal dream, it is more like the public announcement of a discovery that was the result of an experiment, which was the result of inspiration, the source of which was unrelated to his otherwise normal life," the McKays write.

"He is quiet and mysterious when asked about this process in which he bends and distorts light until it shape-shifts to his liking, and so you have to use your imagination."

Reflection No. 26 That Johnson is not a professional photographer and borrowed a camera to create the images makes his work all the more authentic.

"It is a borrowed camera. So, we come to the question, if a man borrows a camera to photograph his dreams, is he truly a photographer? We think so. To us, this is the place where true art is born, and in this case it is a sort of virgin birth. Please come and bear witness."

Gallery hours are 1-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday or by appointment.

The gallery will also be open for The Tri-City Arts Tour on June 6, 7 and 8, with an artist meet and greet on June 7.

McKay Imaging Photography Studio and Gallery is located on the second floor of 12 Monmouth St.

For more information, call 732-842-2272 or visit www.mckayimaging.com