Two images by Phil Lewenthal were selected for inclusion in Gray Loft Gallery’s Surface Tension Exhibition – A Group Show about Water. Jan Watten, founder of Gray Loft, invited 19 Bay Area artists to explore water in all its forms: serene and turbulent, beautiful and vulnerable. Through painting, photography, and mixed media, the exhibition invites us to reflect on our deep connection to water and the urgent need to protect our oceans and ecosystems. Dive in and experience the beauty of Surface Tension! The exhibition will run from July 18 through August 29. The opening and closing receptions will take place on July 18 and August 29, respectively, from 4 to 7 pm.
Phil’s comments about these wonderful images:
Adrift is a long exposure photo from the Garrapata trail, taken in February, 2025. The Garrapata trail is south of Point Lobos, between Carmel and Big Sur. After spending several years on the north coast, it's been a pleasure to be able to get to this extraordinary place along with so many others on the peninsula and southward. This area has some remarkable rock outcroppings, and, seen from high up on the bluff, they can take on a haunting quality. To me, this photo evokes feelings of mystery and solitude. Many in the club know that it's been my longstanding practice to give photos a one word title, more as a suggestion than a definition. I'll be eager to hear what it holds for others.
Phil Lewenthal: Adrift
Rising is also a long exposure image, taken on the coast trail at Sea Ranch in June, 2022. I remember that, as I came across this scene, I was listening to a webcast on the subject of augmented reality; and I wondered who would need to augment this reality. In my imagination, this rock formation took on an animated character as I studied it; and I wondered what it might be. Since this group has a penchant for pareidolia, some of our members may have thoughts...
Phil Lewenthal: Rising
Gray Loft Gallery is on the 3rd floor of one of Oakland’s oldest artists’ work/live warehouses in the vibrant artist district, Jingletown. It was founded in 2012 when an airy loft was converted to a gallery space. Its mission is to provide exhibition opportunities for artists in a setting that is an alternative to the traditional gallery model. Gray Loft aims to inspire, engage, celebrate, and acknowledge the achievements of artists at every level in a non-traditional art space.
Details:
Gray Loft Gallery:
http://www.grayloftgallery.com/
2889 Ford Street, #32, Third Floor
Oakland, CA 94601
grayloftgallery@gmail.com
510-499-3445
Gallery hours:
Saturday: 1 to 5 PM
By appointment – email grayloftgallery@gmail.com
Surface Tension:
July 18 – August 29
Opening reception: July 18, 4 to 7 PM
Closing reception: August 29, 4 to 7 PM