Return to Ecotopia

Organic Collage from the Urban Garden
Marcia Zach and Michael Tomb of Studio Michaelino

Image City Photography Gallery 

722 University Avenue, Rochester NY  14607
June 15 – July 11, 2021
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 12 pm – 6 pm and Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm

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Each of the 22 photographs in “Return to Ecotopia” is of an ephemeral still life installed in a backyard open-air studio. The artists call their medium “organic collage.” Subjects are handmade using layers of homegrown vegetables, flowers, seeds, and found items such as bark and broken pots. The results depict fantasy realms inspired by Ecotopia, which is an imagined green society based on sustainable ecology.

For related links to online videos, please see this page

Petal Pointillism is a plant-based technique described as “Organic Collage” by Artist Marcia Z. Inspired by her own vision of Ecotopia. Her medium of choice is also influenced by great works using the impasto technique. From Rembrandt to Van Gogh to Pollock, there is a 3-D experience in their art that can only be appreciated in real life. Unlike those masterpieces, the impasto feel to Marcia’s art is ephemeral – gone before the day is over. Fortunately, it is preserved within our photographs

We are proud to present Marcia’s jewel-like compositions within our store including our series of art greeting card sets. Each card is printed individually on fine papers and inspected by the artist herself.

The Arboretum Up the Street is the latest film from Studio Michaelino.  The film features a little bit of history and a lot of personal reflection on the renowned Highland Botanical Park, which is an exquisite arboretum just a few minutes walk from the filmmaker’s front door.  Because the city parks we know have “always been there”, the public no longer remembers that many parks often had a controversial beginning where park advocates had to wage a political fight to create each treasure of “space and place and green.” In some cities, the park champions lost that battle.  This film give visual proof that the residents of Rochester, New York are blessed because, there, the makers of parks won.   This is a five minute film. Continue reading…