Sandra Harper’s 'Seaweed Abstractions' On View On Shelter Island

Artist Sandra Harper’s portrayal of the inherent beauty of marine organisms in her work, the solidity and delicacy of these entities and the natural connection between the life forms found on Shelter Island and in the waters that surround it, communicates both her intention and process.

“Seaweed Abstractions,” an exhibition of new work by Ms. Harper, opens Saturday, August 3, at the Shelter Island Gazette Gallery with a reception for the artist from 4 to 7 p.m. The show features striking collages created from indigenous species of seaweed, all collected from the Shelter Island beaches and inlets.

“Making this work has increased my awareness of the fragility of the ecosystem and the struggle and resilience required to regenerate,” Ms. Harper said. “Even with a broader perspective of global environmental issues, my practice remains a personal one.”

A year round collector of seaweed, the artist’s experience with nature has been informed by the tides, the moon cycles and the seasons. She approaches the making of the work mindful that the historic origins of art arose from observation and interaction with nature.

Ms. Harper designs the image while the seaweed is immersed in water, then affixes the elements onto paper with wood presses and begins a drying process that continues for as long as a month.

“Seaweed Abstractions” will be on view through August 18. The Shelter Island Gazette Gallery is at 13 Grand Avenue, opposite the post office, in Shelter Island Heights. For more information, visit shelterislandgazette.com.