Mayhew photo exhibit opens at MOTI
By Lynn Sarda
Special to The Eagle
Award-winning Pine Island photographer Ron Mayhew has opened a new exhibit at the Museum of the Islands. The show is titled “Images of Pine Island.”
Ten images were drawn from over 2,000 photographs Mayhew has taken on Pine Island and its environs. Nine in color and one black and white, the photographs capture various scenes, many of which may be familiar to the viewer but are photographed with Mayhew’s unique and professional eye.
When asked how he made his selections from such a large collection, Mayhew said he wanted images that represented Pine Island’s history or life style. Shots of the old shrimper Seminole Trader and of the Snook Inn depict things that have already disappeared from our island. A fisherman’s white rubber boot, a Florida Livin’ scene, the sunrise in St. James City, a Pineland sunset and cabbage palms during the rainy season present typical lifestyle moments.
Three art shots round out the show – mangroves on MacGyver Key, Matlacha at night and the fruits of the Queen Palm.
Working from his home studio, Mayhew has created a website www.ronmayhewphotography and a blog ronmayhewphotography.wordpress.com.
Portraits, landscapes, street photography, flora and fauna from Mayhew’s travels throughout the world appear on his sites. His most recent accomplishment is the publication of book titled “Les Rues de Paris” (The Streets of Paris). This collection of black and white photographs resulted from a trip to Paris this past autumn where Mayhew studied with internationally known photographer Peter Turnley.
Mayhew in his garden, happily browsing through his book “Les Rues de Paris,” a collection of 148 photographs.
As a 12-year-old, Mayhew became interested in taking pictures. His Uncle Pete, a serious amateur photographer, would visit the family and eventually gave the young Mayhew a Brownie camera. The pictures in National Geographic magazine captured his interest and sparked a wanderlust that he still has.
For many years, Mayhew sculpted wildlife using photos of birds as reference material. This led him to visit “Ding” Darling Refuge on Sanibel Island. Eventually he and his wife, Lynne, moved to Pine Island and he began his career as a photographer.
“Photography fulfills my need to be creative,” said Mayhew. “I get cranky if I can’t make photographs.”
“Images of Pine Island” is Mayhew’s second exhibit at MOTI. Earlier this year the museum showcased “Fishshacks of Pine Island Sound” which was well received by viewers. It is on permanent display at the museum.
MOTI is located in Pine Island Center, across the parking lot from the Pine Island Library. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday 1-4 p.m. The phone number is 239-283-1525. The MOTI website is www.museumoftheislands.com
Lynn Sarda is publicist for the Museum of the Islands.