Evolution of Art: Melony Price-Rhodes's "My Favorite Things" artist statement

Recently we changed the exhibit at Beanetics. Now through December 14th is a photographic exhibit by Melony Price-Rhodes. The show consists of ten breath-taking images, each more stunning than the next. This is Melony's first solo exhibit... hard to believe considering the quality of her work.

"My Favorite Things" consists of images from recent travels to Kenya, Africa, Costa Rica, as well as more local sites as Chincoteague Island, Virginia and Washington, DC. Melony has been taking photographs since early childhood, and has developed an astute eye, and remarkable talent for capturing a shot.

Here's her artist statement:

Dr. Melony A. Price-Rhodes cannot remember a time when she was not interested in photography. As a young girl she was mesmerized with photos her father took when he and her mother lived in Germany. His photos of Europe were captivating and left an indelible impression that persists to this day. She received her first camera in elementary school, and the flame ignited a lifelong passion.

Dr. Price-Rhodes was self-taught until high school and college courses provided formal instruction in photography. True love came from not only taking the photographs—even with a home-made pinhole camera made from a tea bag container—but in the darkroom work that ensued. 

The best times were shooting old barns, fences, and the countryside after school with her childhood buddy, Charles. Fast forward 30+ years, and the two of them are shooting his kids at soccer practice and doing the crazy things kids do, or riding the high seas on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers shooting F/A-18 Super Hornets as they break the sound barrier and trap on the flight deck mere yards away.

Dr. Price-Rhodes has taken thousands of photos over the years and made many memories. Trips to foreign lands have offered chances to shoot what few have the opportunity to shoot, yet she still finds wonder literally in her backyard. 

Another interesting point about this show is that Melony has decided to donate the proceeds of sales from this show to help the students at the Oloosirkon Primary School in Ongata Rongai, Kenya. Melony has made several trips to that country and says, “The last couple of trips there, we have bought the school supplies and soccer balls. They love it!” 

What a wonderful, generous thing to do: I love when artists use their talents to promote good in the world! Thanks Melony for your generosity of spirit! 

If you are interested in purchasing any pieces from this show, contact me ASAP!

Jennifer Judelsohn

(703)273-0485

jennifer@soulworksstudio.com