Photography Exhibit - Reception Invitation

By: Emet_Martinez Mood: full of life Date: 01/04/2008 16:01:00 Music: None

Emet Martinez Art Exhibition and Sale "Celebrating
the Mission: A Photographer's Journey"

Soldiers Barracks Gallery
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Highwy
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Seven Days a Week
January 12 - March 31, 2008

Emet Martinez is a self-taught photographer who
has been taking photographs recreationally since the 1980's. A psychology
major originally from the Philippines, Emet has since studied Human
Resources Management at University of California, Irvine, and now
works as a consultant. During his time at school, and in his free
time, Emet's work has been featured in several art exhibitions in
Southern California since formally beginning his photography career
in 2003. However, it was back in the Philippines that Emet's appreciation
of the medium truly began.

"My fascination with nature started early, growing
up on a tropical island in Southeast Asia. Family weekends were
spent hiking trails in virgin forests, exploring mini-waterfalls,
swimming in cool streams, and enjoying pristine beaches. My family
also managed an ornamental plant nursery which further exposed me
to the wonderful world of plants and flowers."

The move to Southern California invigorated
the artist's desire to become a commercial photographer. With easy
access to first class gardens at places such as the UCI Arboretum,
Sherman Library and Gardens, and, of course, the multi-dimensional
landscapes at Mission San Juan Capistrano, Emet was able to create
a series of botanical abstract pieces. This series shows the intrinsic
beauty of his beloved flowers and plants, as well as his immense
respect for God's creations.

Due to Emet's unique printing process, his photographs
of both people and landscapes have a quality not unlike that of
watercolor paintings. It is this "break the rules" attitude which
inspires him to try new things. His success has allowed him to show
his work at Lauren Taylor Fine Art Gallery in Carmel, the Orange
County Fair, City of Brea Gallery, Santa Ana's Bear Street Gallery,
and the Irvine Fine Arts Center.

The exhibition is included with paid admission
to the Mission, daily from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and is free each
day to all Mission Preservation Society Members. All pieces are
available for sale, and a portion of the proceeds support Mission
Preservation. To request more information, please call (949) 234-1300.

An Artists' Reception will be held Saturday,
January 12, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Barracks Gallery
located near the front entrance of the Mission. The reception is
free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.