YOSEMITE AWAKENINGS

Paintings by James McGrew

Following the quiet slumber of winter, Yosemite awakens in spring with a symphony of roaring waterfalls and eloquent birdsong, colorful new foliage and wildflowers all with a sense of renewed energy.  Such inspirational beauty awakens our senses, hearts and minds with adventure and curiosity.  This new collection of work embodies those experiences from plein air painting on hikes and backpacks from the many waterfalls and meadows, to the valley rim and sequoia groves and the highest glacial peaks.   Adventures in the wilderness or on a granite wall wakes all the senses facilitating a mindful awareness of everything around me.  During these moments I frequently witness endangered or significant wildlife from bears to owls and peregrine falcons.  Most pieces were painted en plein air while the larger studio works were orchestrated from my plein air studies, photography and memory to best represent both visual and emotional response to my experiences.  The show title also alludes to awakening our consciousness to the precarious nature of complex ecosystems and the need for continued research, findings and conservation at a critically pivotal moment in time.

This summer, the nation will celebrate the 250 year anniversary of the United States of America.  The modern day concept of nature preserves for public enjoyment began with Yosemite and has since spread around the world. So I can’t think of many things more symbolic of the United States than National Parks and sharing the nation’s most unique landscapes of geologic wonder, protected flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage that all unites many millions of vacationing visitors each year.  The parks concept germinated in Yosemite with the first tourist party and visual representational artist in 1855.  Ever since, art helped spread awareness for Yosemite’s unique beauty and inspired presidential and congressional legislation which led to park establishment.  Artists also reflected societal perspectives of their times and ultimately helped guide the evolution of park management philosophies.  This year, the Yosemite museum celebrates its centennial anniversary.  Some paintings in this show additionally honor the museum and artists which reflect the artist’s legacy in our parks.