Photographs of Marnie Gelfman On Display at LES Gallery

The opening reception for an exhibit of the photographs of Greenacres resident Marnie Gelfman will be held on the lower east side of Manhattan on Friday night March 11 from 6- 9 pm. Titled, "The Ground I've Walked, A Year of Discovery" the exhibit chronicles a year in the life of the artist as she photographed her feet in their surroundings each day.

Discussing the work, Gelfman says, "The project started off as a random creative assignment and quickly became a daily obsession. Whether I was on the grass, sand, snow, water, pebbles, carpet, pavement, a yoga mat or in a garden, I found a way to record the day and where I landed. This exercise forced me to look hard and be present, to stop rushing and slow down. It enabled me to find the inner state that yogis hope to attain through relaxation."

She continued, "I focused and became aware of all the amazing details in my environment. Do we ever really look at the shape of a wave, the color of the grass, the texture of flowers, the pattern of a rug, the lighting on the floor, or the writing or markings on the pavement? In the process of recording these details, I also became aware of how I spent my days. Documentation makes the invisible moments of our lives visible and creates a record for review. Before this project, I never focused on what shoes I wore in different environments. My photographs record it all. In some I am barefoot, in others I am in high heels or flip flops, colorful ballet flats, wedges, sneakers or tall boots. The ground supported and carried me from one destination to another, gently one step at a time. It was a year of discovery, a journey of looking hard, recording my steps and moving forward."

About the artist:
Gelfman earned her BFA in painting and photography from Cornell 1987. From there she went to the Macy's training program and then into Private Label Home Furnishings Design from 1987-1994. She started Marguerite's Garden a hand painted children's clothing company and sold to upscale boutiques in NYC, and taught at Young at Art for ten years. She has also taught art at lunch recess programs and after school at Greenacres and Fox Meadow Elementary school's and taught at the Scarsdale Adult School. She is currently launching a new business idea called smART box adventures which is an online open source art class for kids that coordinates with a subscription art box of supplies.

Gelfman thanks Sabrina Wirth for her help with graphic design, Scarsdale Art and Frame for matting and framing over 70 pieces and Zachys for the wine that will be served at the opening.

See the photographs of Marnie Gelfman on Eldridge Street

Opening reception: Friday March 11, 2016 6-9 pm
Ground Floor, 88 Eldridge Street, New York, NY 10002
Additional gallery hours: Tuesday March 15, 12-2pm