Explore J.W. Fike's Photographic Survey of the Wild Edible Botanicals of Arizona

PHOENIX - Sept. 7, 2016 - PRLog -- Shade Projects is proud to present the Photographic Survey of the Wild Edible Botanicals of Arizona, the solo exhibition of J.W. Fike in Bokeh Gallery at the monOrchid. This exhibition showcases striking photography of various local botanicals that gracefully float in a black expanse that reference traditional photograms and contact prints, as well as what he calls visions from the collective unconscious. When asked about his work Fike said, "I strive to create images that function as conduits in a uniquely charged space connecting art, science and spirituality." The artist takes a place-based approach to his photography examining his medium in relation to subject, audience and site. "The artist effortlessly blends art and science resulting in an engaging and truly beautiful collection of work while presenting everyday local botanicals in a new and refreshing new light", states Shade Projects Curator, Nicole Royse.

"My work actively engages the community by utilizing relevant contextual information, interdisciplinary research, and an elegant if slightly spellbinding aesthetic", states Fike. His images are carefully created by excavating the plant, arranging and photographing it in the studio, then digitally rendering the edible parts in color while the remaining can be read as contact prints. He has photographed over one hundred plants in seven different states with plans to survey the entire continental United State. Fike goes on to say, "I hope the resulting catalogue will serve as an archive for an uncertain ecological future, reliable guide for foraging, and contain meditative symbols in communion with philosophical, spiritual and ecological truths."

Fike was formally trained receiving his Bachelors of Arts with Concentrations in Drawing and Photography from Auburn University continuing on to earn his Masters of Fine Art in Photography from the Cranbrook Academy of Art under the tutelage of Carl Toth. He has been busy exhibiting his work at galleries around the nation including Founders Hall Gallery at Soka University, Transition Gallery at Idaho State University, just to name a few. Fike's work is now apart of the permanent collection of the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film. His artwork has been featured in numerous publications both online and in print including F-Stop Magazine, the L.A. Times, and the Phoenix New Times. In addition to his art career, Fike is an Art Faculty Member and the Exhibitions Coordinator at Estrella Mountain College.

The monOrchid and Shade Projects curator, Nicole Royse will host the Opening Reception for Photographic Survey of the Wild Edible Botanicals of Arizona on First Friday, October 7^th, 2016 from 6-10pm. The Closing Reception will take place on Friday, October 21^st, 2016 from 6-9pm and the evening will offer an intimate event with the artist, J. W. Fike and Curator, Nicole Royse. Photographic Survey of the Wild Edible Botanicals of Arizona will be on display in Bokeh Gallery at the monOrchid from October 7^th until October 30^th, 2016. Please visit our website for more information at monorchid.com and please direct all exhibition inquiries to Shade Projects Curator, Nicole Royse.