This week's featured artist is Dr. David Lancaster, D.O., whose passion for photography was passed down through the generations.
His paternal grandparents used to develop photographs in Jacobs Creek, a small river town in western Pennsylvania. They took hundreds of pictures that documented the Lancaster family and life in a small coal mining town.
"My father, Glen Lancaster, also took many photographs while he lived in Jamaica for two years in the early 1970s. Glen's camera, a Minolta SLR, was then passed down to me when I was a teenager," he said. "My father asked if I would take candid photographs during family functions and holidays. This was the beginning of my interest in photography."
While in college, Lancaster enrolled for a semester at Columbia University's Biosphere 2 Center in Oracle, Arizona. Because Columbia's affiliation with the Biosphere 2 Center was new, he was able to work out a deal where he was provided all the film and developing and in return his photographs were used for marketing of the campus.
"This not only gave me access to the beautiful landscapes of the Desert Southwest (region) and northern Mexico, but allowed me to take many photographs of both the students and the local people I visited on field trips," he said. "I developed my skill as a candid portrait photographer. This can be quite challenging because the photographer has to be quick in order to capture a photo before the people move out of frame or the scene is lost."
In 1999, Lancaster took a break from his camera to attend medical school and residency. After medical training, he and his family moved to Mid-Missouri where he joined Capital Region Medical Center as the medical director of inpatient rehabilitation. Several years ago, his interest in photography was rekindled when Lancaster attended a photography workshop in New Mexico.
"During this time, I focused on desert landscapes and architecture. My Adobe series, of the unique desert buildings shot in black and white, premiered at Capital Arts last year," he said, noting he then opened a photography studio at Orr Street Studios in Columbia and wanting a space where he could create studio portraits and also display work. "I have become very active in taking family portraits, head shots and senior photos. I like to explore new projects and am working on street photography where I use long exposures to create dream-like movement surrounding subjects."
Lancaster added he is continuing to focus on landscapes that he takes in the Midwest and while traveling on vacation. Often he incorporates his children in the landscapes to add depth to the scenes.
"I believe that good photography should create emotion in the viewer or convey a story," he said.
Lancaster's work can be viewed at www.davidlancasterphotography.com, DavidLancPhotos on Instagram, and Facebook. For more information or portrait sessions, call 573-418-9834.
Jefferson City Art Club, Capital Arts and Mid-Missouri art news
The Ruth Hogan Children's Art Exhibit will open March 16 at Capital Arts Gallery, 1203 Missouri Blvd. Open until March 26, this annual exhibit features the artwork of Jefferson City area children. The gallery is open from noon-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 573-635-8355.
Rick Jey, also known as Jefferson City Art Club member Jerry Ricker, hosts a documentary video series, available on CenturyLink and Mediacom (check with provider for dates and times). In his two shows filmed at JCTV on Lincoln University's campus, he presents regional, national and international artisans relating to all aspects of the arts. In "Spotlight on the Arts," Rick Jey provides a 30-minute, in-depth interview with an artist. In "Mid-Missouri Art News" two guests are highlighted in 15-minute interviews. All episodes are also available on YouTube by visiting the "JCTVAccess" channel.
Village Art Studio, 1502 E. High St., Suites 40 and 60, offers youth art workshops, geared for children. "Spring Zing Art Camp" is a whole week of creating art and will be March 25-29. These camps are for children ages 6 and older, and the cost is $125 for the whole week. Participants may chose between 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 1-4 p.m. classes. For more information, call 573-230-1414.
Larry Carver has released a series of instructional videos that walk you through his most requested paintings one element at a time. By pausing the video at each element, viewers will be able to produce their own versions of these wonderful works of art. Larry works in acrylic paint (a water soluble paint that dries quickly) on canvas. To access these instructional videos, visit Cindy Powell Carver's Facebook page.
The Columbia Art League will be hosting the "Truth(?)" exhibit through April 19. There are many faces to the truth, many disguises and veils. In this event, the artists are asked "What is the truth to you?" The gallery, 207 S. 9th St. in Columbia, is open 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, call 573-443-8838 or visit columbiaartleague.org.
Artist Lorraine McFarland will be the Jefferson City Art Club featured artist through March 31 at the club's website, www.jeffersoncityartclub-missouri.com. Her work is now on display in many homes and corporate locations in the U.S. and may also be seen at Art House in Fulton and at Stone Soup Galleries in Chesterfield Mall in St. Louis. McFarland is also a gifted teacher who brings her joy for art, nature, heart and soul to her students. She is an award-winning pastel artist and instructor.
Professional artist Jimmy Mustion does club promotions and publicity for Jefferson City Art Club and Capital Arts.