Into the Mystic

Longtime DeBlois Gallery member Ron Caplain began as a landscape photographer, and in the 1980s moved into people and street photography, work for which he has won many distinctions. More recently, he has been taking his photography to new levels in printmaking, with monoprints, encaustic, and image transfers. His work in this exhibit features collage techniques juxtaposing images from Japan, printed on Asian papers.

A wildlife photographer usually more interested in birds, animals, and insects than people, Day took a series of photos of the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) in Kyoto Japan in 2022, and noticed, in the light, color, figure, and background of the costumed parade performers, a similarity to the colors, patterns, and shapes of the birds he usually photographed.

Michael Day and Ron Caplain have each spent a lot of time in Japan over the past four decades. In this exhibit, they share some of the images that they have created from these Japan photos.

These nine images are collaborations between Michael and Ron, collaged by Ron. Ron’s work and the collaborations are all printed on Asian papers.

I was born and raised in Bristol, RI, graduated from Bristol High, earned a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education, Social Studies at the University of Rhode Island and later a Master’s Degree in School Counseling. After a thirty year career in public school education I discovered the ceramic arts. I started my clay journey thirteen years ago by taking classes through the South County Art Association’s pottery program. I ultimately joined as a studio member where I still work. I spend many hours each week at the studio improving my skills and techniques.
Over the years I have worked hard to develop my own personal style. However one juror of an exhibit I recently entered commented that I create so many different types of work. My response was that it was really difficult for me to decide what I like best. As a result I move in a variety of directions. I work on the potter’s wheel and make functional items for use and also do hand built slab work producing more architectural and figurative forms. Both methods are highly satisfying to me. I often combine the two methods; starting with a wheel thrown piece and altering it by applying slab pieces.
Altering the work has a strong appeal to me.
Clay is a three dimensional medium. It knows no bounds and the outcomes of working with clay are limitless. I love that about clay. I enjoy the immersive, tactile quality of the medium. I find that I am always experimenting. I love finding different ways to produce new outcomes. I alter my clay pots through piercing, carving, and applique. I also create different looks through the firing methods I employ; electric, gas, wood, raku or pit. Each one produces a unique outcome on the fired clay surface. Nothing about working with clay is entirely predictable and that is part of what makes working with it so exciting.
Clay has given me the opportunity to move in a different direction in my life. It has allowed me to explore my creativity and to use my brain in new ways. I am now a member of a vibrant artist community. I have learned so much about art and how to make good art through my association with other artists. For decades I defined myself as an educator, but now as a result of working with clay that definition also includes artist. Clay has enriched my life, and every day I get to step into the studio and sink my hands into clay it is a very good day.

We observe existence through manifestations. But by understanding certain principles, a deeper knowledge of life’s mysteries is gained. My work aims to show the unnoticed beauty of the natural world and the harmony that can be achieved when one accepts and appreciates the world around them. My photographs are a representation of the principles I try to live by as reflected in nature. This includes noninterference, simplicity, change, harmony, and the greater truths that can be witnessed in everyday happenings. My studies of Taoism and Zen over the last decade plus have shaped my life and my beliefs about the world around me. I look at the world with eyes of introspection. Each interaction with nature holds a deeper meaning regarding the cycles of the universe and how we fit into its workings. I am inspired by my experiences in the natural world, observing manifestations of the Tao all around me. I enjoy capturing subjects in a constant state of change and directing attention to unnoticed details. I love the journey of discovery, learning about both myself and the world I live in. Witnessing the Tao in action, even through a photograph, can be eye-opening.