Aloha … from BethePortraits, photographs coming to Gifford Gallery
RANDOLPH, Feb. 11, 2009 – Randolph couple Dr. Ken and Mary Borie will have a joint show at Gifford Medical Center’s Art Gallery this Feb. 18 through April 1.
Dr. Borie is a family physician at Gifford. His wife, Mary Sanborn Borie, is a registered nurse in the Randolph hospital’s Birthing Center. Mary describes herself as an “amateur” photographer. Dr. Borie is portrait painter.
“I started doing art in junior high,” Dr. Borie says. “Mostly, I composed pencil portraits of family and friends.
“In my freshman year of college, I completed an oil portrait of a friend and never forgot the energy and satisfaction I received in doing so.”
He enrolled in an oil painting course as a college senior and since has taken four other courses. He’s also been influenced by other artists in his family, some of whom are amateurs and some of whom are professionals. “Their work has been inspirational,” he says.
Despite many years of painting, portraits remain Dr. Borie’s favorite subject.
“For me, nothing in art is more gratifying than achieving a likeness,” he says. “I find getting the eyes right is most important. The composition seems to fall into place after that.”
Dr. Borie describes his life as a doctor, father and husband as very busy. “I do not have too much time to paint. However, when I do, there is no better therapy,” he says.
Mary Borie’s works come from a love of nature.
Prior to earning her degree in nursing, Mary Borie collected a bachelor’s degree in education and environmental science. She also volunteered at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, working with injured birds and assisting with educational programs.
“These experiences gave me a deep understanding of the interrelationships between humans and the natural world as well as the various ecosystems our planet is composed of,” she says.
In 1991, she bought a Minolta 35mm camera and began capturing images she deemed beautiful while hiking. Today, she uses a digital Nikon.
“I photograph from feel rather than technique,” she says. “As a child on the many walks I shared with my family, my father opened my senses, pointing out a soaring bird, babbling brook, essence of pine or the sweetness of wild strawberries.
“I believe those moments developed in me a sensitivity to the natural world – a sensitivity that stirs my soul, which is when I like best to take my pictures.”
The images she will have on display in the Gifford Gallery include pictures taken along the north Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
The Gifford Gallery is just inside the hospital’s main entrance at 44 S. Main St. (Route 12) in Randolph. The show is free and open to the public.