Christine Wexler’s photography collection, Bramasole, looks and feels like summer. I met Christine in the winter, and as soon as I browsed through her work, it brought me right to summer - the waves, the warmth, the beach. And now that it’s July, its great to see her work exhibited at Nest Inspired Home. The home shop in Rye is a great spot for Christine’s work, it fits their mix of easy, classic contemporary home furnishings and accessories. Bramasole in Italian means, to yearn or long for the Sun. Umbrella's captures the colors and light on the Italian coast.
But most of Christine's photographs are more local, taken in the Hamptons, of surfer life. She has exhibited in the Hamptons for many successful summers.
This will be the Westchester resident's first time showing locally.
Christine captures the splendor of the ocean in all it’s moods and those of all ages who come to experience the surf and the beach.
and the beauty of the ocean
Like Christine, I love the beach and ocean. Cliffs reminds me of a very memorable day when my friend Billy and I hiked and navigated our way from the lighthouse at the eastern most tip of LI, along these cliffs, to see the beautiful Stanford White mansions along the coast.
Christine's words of inspiration will resonate for those, like me, who share her love of the summer and the sea;
“I credit my father for my love and appreciation for the ocean. The strength I gain when I stand in front of a vast sea is rejuvenating and overwhelming. The smell of the air and sound of the waves is empowering.
As a child my father taught me to respect the force of the water and its gifts, to use the open space of the beach to clear your mind... To embrace that every wave is different and every sky is new.
I began photographing a special beach about six years ago. Montauk is considered "The End "of the Island... but it is always a new beginning for me.
I started with a focus on the landscape of the cliffs and beach. I soon found myself drawn to the people. People surfing, walking, just being. Watching them contemplate, prepare, envisioning the ride... I found how glorious the human spirit can be. At first I felt that I was intruding on sacred space and without disrespect, I began photographing from a distance.
My inspiration, my surroundings, my motivation has grown into my attempt to capture moments of peace and serenity so easily lost in our everyday lives. A true reminder to ground ourselves in a time of such uncertainty.
Just watching each individual pay their respects to the ocean... stare out to an endless sea of possibilities... I realized I am not alone in my addiction/love for the beach. Many of us long for it, some of us are fortunate to have it everyday. Many have said my work is a reminder of their time with the sea.
On July 9th, Nest is partnering with County Harvest, a Westchester-based organization that collects and brings food to Westchester’s hungry. There will be a food collection at the store during the week and a cocktail event on the 9th from 6-9. 10% of all sales of the evening will go to County Harvest.
Hope you can stop in to this Picture Perfect evening - or another time through the summer to see Christine’s photography ...