Nov. 3, 2005 — Marine photographer Gary Felton will be the featured artist at "The Art Show" at Alexander's Bella Blu. "Sea and Sail," an exhibit of recent images from above and below the sea opens with a meet-the-artist reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Alexander's Bella Blu in Frenchtown.
Felton, a resident of St. Thomas, selected many of the fine art photographic images for the show from his trip to the 2005 Antigua Race Week Regatta. "This is a show of the kind of photography I love to do the most," Felton says, "Beautiful, classic sailing vessels captured for the pure joy of photography."
Felton's love of the water and of photography came from growing up and around sailing and water sports in Southern California. Felton studied engineering in hopes of becoming a pilot of submersible vessels. As part of his studies, he became a diver and took an underwater photography class. His images quickly earned international recognition and was honored by enrollment in San Diego's Brooks Institute of Photography, according to a release from Claire Ochoa, curator of the show. Upon graduation, Felton began his career as a commercial photographer in Los Angeles. In 1986, when he realized that he was spending more time in the studio than around the water, he made a career change and came to St. Thomas as a charter yacht captain.
In 1990, Felton returned to photography and a studio full-time in St. Thomas. His knowledge and understanding of yachts make Felton one of the most sought after photographers for yacht brochures and websites in the Virgin Islands and neighboring islands. His deep appreciation for the ocean also is translated into vibrant, creative, and stunning underwater images, also depicted in the show.
"When you view Felton's images you are taken aback by their composition and beauty. What you don't see are the hours of planning, logistics and harmony that are required to get these images on film," Ochoa says. "Imagine, he's in a helicopter one day, a chase boat the next and on a yacht under sail another day to capture the action."
Felton's "Sea and Sail" exhibit opens "The Art Show" series at Alexander's. All images are for sale and available in several sizes. The exhibit will run through Jan. 5, 2006 and is open to the public. For more information check the Gallery St. Thomas Web site or call Gallery St. Thomas at 340-777-6363 or toll free 877-797-6363.
