October 14, 2021 by Mona K. Pohl on behalf of the Hingham Downtown Association (courtesy photos)
Art is one of the few things that can transport us to another place or mindset within minutes. In any form, it can evoke a range of emotions and strike awe and delight because of its beauty, message and the creative talent it exhibits.
There are so many gifted artists all over the world and we see their talent in museums, galleries, on building walls, streets, and screens. The beautiful thing is it’s not always necessary to travel far to experience incredible art. Our own community is brimming with artists, and the Hingham Arts Walk in Downtown this Sunday, October 17, 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. will be an inspiring showcase of fine art, oil, pastel, photography, pottery, jewelry, mixed media, youth art, and more. Adding another festive dimension to the day, the local band Take Out will be performing in the middle of Downtown.
Several of the businesses in downtown Hingham will feature the work of local artists, who will be on-hand to introduce their work and answer any questions about their technique, inspiration and acquiring selected pieces. In talking with a few of the artists, it was clear they agreed the Arts Walk provides a wonderful opportunity for the local and broader South Shore community to get to know them and their work and vice versa.
John Lawler, Photographer
John Lawler, a photographer who will be showing his work at La Petite Maison at 142 North Street, explained, “One thing I really like about the Arts Walk is it creates a platform that creates a conversation about art and local artwork. It emphasizes the point there are many working artists in town– generally it’s something that can really fly under the radar.”
Photography has clearly been a lifelong passion for John, given he built a dark room in his parents’ home as a teenager and he both pursued his calling in fine art photography and worked in commercial photography, processing work presented in museums and galleries. John admits he was a late, but avid adopter of digital photography once he realized the artistic options it presented. His images are predominantly of landscapes and cityscapes, and tend to zoom in on details and moments that may have been overlooked by other people.
Landscapes and seascapes, understandably, seem to be a common thread among the local artists. With all the natural beauty in Hingham including the harbor, wide open ocean, wooded areas, and the magnificent light, there is so much inspiration in all seasons.
Christina Eckerson, Oil Painter
Christina Eckerson, an oil painter, who lives in Hingham and spends time in Camden, Maine where she grew up and discovered her passion for art and coastal painting, verbally sketched the inspiration she receives from the New England shorelines.
“There is nothing that inspires me more than the beauty of Maine and the coast in particular. There are endless moments of light, color and atmosphere that catch my eye. The unique landscape with the bold rocky coast, the pointed spruce islands, and the changing seas entice me to paint again and again.I also see so much beauty in the landscape of the South Shore. The beaches, the harbors and the preserves, such as Worlds End, provide endless painting opportunities.”
Christina studied with local artists in Maine throughout her childhood and went on to obtain a degree in graphic design from Connecticut College. She offered a glimpse into one of the pivotal steps in her career, “I was a production manager of art and photography books at Bulfinch Press, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company. This experience allowed me to develop my artistic eye and sensibilities.” Her artistic journey has continued over last the 25 years, which have been devoted to painting.
Christina’s work will be displayed at Waterhouse, 108 North Street, Hingham.
Sarah Dasco, Photographer
Sarah Dasco, photographer and owner of Sarah Dasco Photography at 60 South Street in Downtown Hingham, originally focused her camera, as she says, “incessantly,” on her family and her friends’ children. People close to Sarah recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue photography more seriously. While spending time on the Cape, Sarah started directing most of her effort toward seascapes and ocean-inspired scenes. It has become her predominant subject and her studio offers a relaxed, beachy vibe, where clients can buy off the wall or work with Sarah on custom sizing.
“The Arts Walk brings excitement to Downtown. I’m very grateful and thrilled to be able to consistently show my photography in my own storefront studio. Not every artist has the opportunity to display their work and the businesses in downtown Hingham provide an amazing showcase in environments that complement their style,” said Sarah. “Being Downtown, I have a whole new appreciation and respect for small businesses owners and for how the businesses support each other and the community. I’ve noticed many of them are women-owned, which shows we can successfully make working within the framework of a family schedule possible.”
Get inspired and discover many artists in stores, historic buildings, open studios, and on the sidewalks this Sunday. For more information, please visit http://www.discoverhingham.com/.