OCALA, FL (352today.com) – From underwater to inside an art gallery, a Gainesville-based multimedia artist translates her passion for central Florida’s springs to the canvas of her paintings.
Much of Margaret Ross Tolbert’s artwork reflects Florida’s precious natural resources – especially its aquifers.
“The paradisiacal Springs of North Florida are my paintings’ subject and metaphor. The springs paintings begin on site at the water’s edge and often in the water. I swim in the springs, I sketch underwater; I am inspired to write when I am beside them,” said Tolbert.
Water’s Margins: Paintings of Florida’s Springs, an exhibit of Tolbert’s paintings, is influenced by her experiences in these waters, including springs in Marion, Levy and Citrus counties.
The collection is on display now through Sunday, June 2, at the College of Central Florida’s Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala.
“The idea of the margins between humans and water reflects the interactive fluidity of the crystal-clear waters that flow from the Floridan aquifer,” says the Appleton website. “From large-scale paintings to more intimate works created underwater on pieces of slate, Tolbert uses an array of kaleidoscopic blues and earth tones to express her passion for and understanding of these unique subaquatic environments.”
On Tuesday evening, Tolbert explained her artistry and visitors learned about efforts to preserve the natural resource during a program called, “Florida Springs: The Confluence Between Arts and Science.” The presentation was a collaboration between the museum, the Marion Cultural Alliance and was sponsored by the Great Florida Riverway Trust.
In addition to a tour of Tolbert’s work, veteran cave diver and biologist Tom Morris along with springs expert Casey Fitzgerald explained the springs, the aquifer and need to restore the Ocklawaha River by removing the dam at Rodman Reservoir.
“Water is key to our existence and inspires awe and wonder. Margaret literally submerges herself in her work and her paintings offer us a new appreciation of Florida’s natural resources available at parks and springs that bubble up across the Sunshine State,” said Appleton Director Jason Steuber.
Tolbert received both her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville. Her work has been displayed at venues around the globe.
Tolbert will be back at the museum on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon to talk about how Florida’s springs continuously attract her to visit and create contemporary paintings, photographs and films.
Admission is FREE at the Appleton Museum on the first Saturday of each month. The museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.