Jeff Suchak, ‘A Covenant of Reciprocity’ by Peri Hayes Jeff Suchak will be exhibiting ‘A Covenant of Reciprocity’ at the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre from June 14th until August 9th. This exhibition of contemplative fine art photography is interactive and inspired by the incredible Robin Wall Kimmerer, Author and Botanist. As Jeff poetically introduces, “I come from a place where the river catches fire. When I was six years old, I was in the car with my parents and I saw flames dancing across the water -- a surreal sight to see a river ablaze. I can remember my grandmother hanging laundry, and then in the afternoon having to brush the soot off her sheets when they were dry.” During his studies at the University of Windsor, Jeff enjoyed Point Pelee and developed a calm connection with the land. “For 43 years,” he describes, “I worked in the field of mental health. I need the peace that the natural world provides, and I started my photography about 35 years ago. This became an important part of my life in terms of what we refer to as work-life balance.” Spending time at conservation areas, Jeff grew concerned about the loss and degradation to the environment. His wife, Susanna’s, Indigenous ancestry has informed his approach to photography -- viewing the landscape as sacred, with humans being entrusted as caretakers to live in partnership with the land. “Unfortunately,” Jeff voices, “we are not. Society has been consumers, extractors, takers, and my hope is to evoke a sense of mystery and wonder; that these images will contribute to this experience of awe, giving thought to one’s relationship with the natural world and possibly awakening into a new one: ‘What is it that the Earth asks of me? How will I reciprocate? What do I want this relationship to be moving forward?’ My photographs are close-ups, inviting you in to consider these questions.”
Left, ‘Birdsong’ and right, ‘On Thin Ice’.
Moreover, Jeff reveals that his photography practice is about receiving: “It’s the way that our eyes are working. My methodical process involves being very open and learning to see very deeply. What’s happening in nature is a gift.” As Jeff earnestly admits, “I struggled with this idea of, ‘Do I submit my artwork when the world is on fire?’ I am seizing this period of time where maybe, through my work, I can engage with the viewers and ask them to reconsider what their relationship has been with the natural world.” With approximately 30 pieces in this exhibition, one piece is not for sale and another is being bestowed: “I will be donating one of the prints to the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority as a way of acknowledging the important work that they do.” Jeff concludes with the following appreciation: “I must thank the Art Centre for accepting my submission and taking a chance on me, the Ontario Arts Council for their grant toward the printing and framing cost of this exhibition, Museum London for sponsoring my grant submission and Forest City Gallery who offered their guidance on submitting to the Council. I printed through Matthew Davis at All Things Film, and Steve Robson at Peter Robson Studio in Sparta completed the framing.” Email Jeff at mythiclandscape@gmail.com with inquiries about this upcoming exhibition, and visit the mythiclandscape.com website for further information about this artist’s moving work.
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Page 40 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2025
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