A Moment Exposed

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As The Laffer Gallery returns from our winter hiatus, we are thrilled to present the first show of 2024, “A Moment Exposed.” This exhibition celebrates the profound connections between art, nature and the human experience through the works of four distinguished artists, all of whom are familiar faces at The Laffer Gallery.

A journeyman of landscapes, George Van Hook’s artistry is deeply rooted in the plein air tradition, capturing the subtle interplay of light, color, and form. Raised in Pennsylvania and influenced by the early 20th-century California Impressionists, Van Hook’s work is a testament to his lifelong dialogue with nature. His paintings are featured in prestigious publications like En Plein Aire Magazine and American Artist Magazine and reflect a meticulous balance between the natural world and artistic interpretation, inviting viewers to experience the beauty of the Northeast through his eyes.

With a prolific career spanning over a quarter century, Harry Orlyk’s paintings are an intimate narrative of his relationship with the earth and sky. Born in Troy, New York, and heavily influenced by several Nebraskan artists while attending Graduate School at the University of Nebraska, Orlyk’s work embodies a spiritual connection to the land. His process is deeply influenced by routine and the natural cycles and captures the essence of the American Northeast with a raw, emotive force, reminding us of the inextricable link between human existence and the natural world.

Shifting our gaze from the canvas to the kiln, Jordan Becker introduces us to the elemental dance of fire, earth, water, and air. A ceramic artist from upstate New York, Becker’s work transcends traditional pottery, offering a meditative reflection on the materials that shape our world. Through the transformative power of wood-firing, his pieces become a bridge to the natural world, inviting us to slow down and find beauty in the everyday.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Leslie Peck brings to the exhibition a captivating collection of portraits, focusing on the serene beauty of farm animals and the bounty of the region. With a background in romance book cover illustration and a profound love for portraiture, Peck’s paintings are a celebration of life, elevating the ordinary to extraordinary. Her work, characterized by bold contrasts and a meticulous attention to detail, invites viewers to rediscover the eloquence of simple objects and the harmony they bring to our lives.

“A Moment Exposed” represents the collective exploration of each artist’s deep-seated connections with their environments and encourage the viewer to examine, interpret and perhaps even transform our enagements with the natural world. We invite you to join us as we celebrate the enduring allue of nature through the eyes of Van Hook, Orlyk, Becker and Peck with an opening reception on March 2, 2024 from 5pm until 8pm. This exhibition will run through April 7, 2024. Please contact The Laffer Gallery for additional information or with any questions.