The EACC Gallery presents It Just Turned Out That Way, an exhibition by artist Norman Soskel of Memphis, Tennessee.  The exhibit begins on Monday, December 3rd and will run through Friday, December 21st.  The public is invited to meet the artist in the Gallery on Saturday, December 8th at 5:00 p.m. before The Nutcracker Holiday Feature in the EACC Fine Arts Center.

Artist Norman Soskel’s interest in photography began at the age of four with the encouragement of his photographer father, and has evolved through home-made conventional darkrooms to digital schemes. His photography development was influenced by the 10 years during which he studied piano, competed locally and regionally in Virginia, and gave several solo recitals, the last of which was in Caball Hall at the University of Virginia.  “Combining the visual and auditory aspects of the artistic milieu continues to shape many of my works,” said Soskel.  “Integral to my theses is the notion of the fluidity of art and the necessity of the viewer to the overall process.”

The exhibit, It Just Turned Out That Way, comprises a culmination of Soskel’s prior efforts and experiences.  Images from the southwest, his favorite areas of the country, are juxtaposed with images relating to traumatic events.  “The things that make us, the transitions that define us.  Looking back and looking in; looking out versus looking in,” said Soskel.  “The images can be viewed from different perspectives, and the viewer can decide which vantage point is in play,” he added. 

A native of Virginia, Soskel’s profession was a pulmonologist, having studied at the University of Virginia, Yale University Affiliate, and the University of Utah, where he taught and did research on elastin’s relationship to emphysema.  His work continued at the University of Tennessee in Memphis until he entered private practice in 1992.  Dr. Soskel retired in February 2013 from the practice of medicine, and currently spends most of his time practicing various art forms including photography, serigraphy and other printmaking forms, and encaustic painting, in addition to perfecting his piano technique.  Many of his art pieces produced use photography as a basis. 

Over the past 15 years, Soskel has been featured in multiple solo and jurried group shows, and he has received numerous local, national, and international awards.  He has participated in international conferences and workshops related to encaustic painting.  In addition, Soskel and his wife, Judith Barrie, teach workshops utilizing encaustic, incorporating photography, serigraphy and other techniques. 

The Gallery is located in the EACC Fine Arts Center.  Daily hours for the Gallery are Monday-Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., or as scheduled for special group tours. There is no charge for admission.  

“Bones Spiral,” Photograph, 24”x 24”