Art League of Long Island’s Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery Presents “Time's Running Out: An iPhonography and 3D(isaster) Sculpture Exhibition” October 1 - 28

The Art League of Long Island presents a body of digital photographic artwork and trash sculpture, highlighting the contrast between nature’s beauty and the environmental pollution and decay found throughout the country, including on Long Island’s roadways, parks, and beaches. The exhibit, created by Scott Schneider’s Toxic/Nature Studios®, is on view October 1 through October 28, 2022.  The opening reception on October 1 is from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and open to the public.

Scott Schneider states: “Toxic/Nature Studios® features environmental photography that celebrates the majesty of nature and laments its demise, in small moments. Using close-up macro techniques, the photographs express my appreciation for and concern about the environment.

As we become increasingly distracted by our devices, we tend to overlook small disasters beneath our feet.  Likewise, we can fail to notice the beautiful moments present in nature. I explore these concepts in the “Toxic” and “Nature” galleries on the website, ToxicNature.com.  Beauty can also be found in the rust, decay, and textures of everyday objects, which I highlight in the “Manufactor” gallery. 

All photos are taken by me, Scott Schneider, with an iPhone, thereby leveraging the power of technology to observe rather than to distract.  I take photos every day, no matter where I am or what I’m doing.  I don’t go out to take pictures; I take pictures because I’m out. 

From my photographs, I create archival, digital pigment prints using environmentally friendly inks on bamboo paper, which is highly sustainable.

In addition to my photos, I have crafted a series of sculptural pieces which I’m calling “3D(isasters).”  This thought-provoking artwork is designed to challenge the viewer to make sense of the quantity of litter displayed in a #finditfillit container.

I hope that my art will inspire others to notice the world around them and to take action to preserve its natural beauty. We can’t do this while plugged in and tuned out. That’s why I ask viewers to unplug, look around, and get the small picture. By turning off our blinders of technology, and noticing the small detail of a piece of litter, a fallen petal, or an interesting bit of rust, we can then look up and notice the big picture, which is that the world needs our help.

The Instagram account @toxicnaturestudios spreads awareness through my art. Its sister account, @5.pieces.a.day.everyday, encourages others to pick up litter, thereby noticing and improving the environment.

Furthering my mission, a portion of sales is donated to charities that focus on protecting the environment.”

The Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery is open free of charge Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am-8pm, and Fridays & Saturdays 10am-3pm. The Art League is located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills. For more information call (631) 462-5400 or visit www.artleagueli.org.