Whale Watch Room Gallery Exhibit Opening Reception – Gail Jackson

Artist’s Statement
The Spirit of Spring is a celebration of the return of light, warmth, and life after the quiet months of winter. Along the Mendonoma Coast, spring brings new growth to the meadows, fresh color to the forests, and renewed movement to the waterways. It is a magical season when animals begin raising their young and the landscape seems to invite us outdoors again. This body of work grew from my time on local trails; watching for wildlife, noticing seasonal changes, and capturing those fleeting moments when sunlight, weather, and nature harmonize.

The photographs in this exhibit are printed on metallic paper to reflect the luminous quality of coastal spring light. Alongside them are SolarFast sun prints that combine photography with flora, creating images that are part photograph and part botanical impression.

I deeply enjoy using natural sunlight to create these pieces, as fog, low light, and bright sunshine each produce remarkably different results. The process has become a meaningful way to connect with nature and embrace the unexpected; like spring itself, every print develops in its own unique way.

I hope these images bring a smile to your face and convey the joy of stepping outside after winter, the wonder of discovering new life, and the warmth of carrying a peaceful moment in nature home with you.

Artist Bio
Gail Jackson is a Mendocino County-based wildlife photographer inspired by the diverse ecosystems and changing seasons of the Mendonoma Coast. Her portfolio reflects a lifelong appreciation for the natural world and a deep curiosity about the regional flora and fauna. Her photography has received local acclaim alongside two international Audubon awards, and has been featured in numerous galleries and
exhibitions along the coast.

While Gail primarily specializes in digital photography and inkjet prints on luminous metallic paper, her recent work incorporates solar printing techniques. By combining photographic negatives with native flora, she creates SolarFast cyanotype sun prints that are uniquely developed by the changing local sunlight.