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Nature ‘a response of the spirit’

Brother John Lemker/Contributed Photo Brother John Lemker's "Prairie in the Morning" is one of many nature photos on display at Gallery Saint John at Mount Saint John.

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By Diana Blowers, Contributing Writer 10:57 AM Thursday, October 15, 2009

BEAVERCREEK— While many of his photographs are calculated, Brother John Lemker is just as likely to find his wonderful images of nature by having “an unhurried readiness for being surprised.”

His nature photography will be on display through Nov. 22, at Gallery Saint John at Mount Saint John, 4400 Shakertown Road, Beavercreek.

Views of Splendor features 60 archival inkjet prints of nature images ranging from majestic mountains and forests to dew-laden flowers.

Gallery Saint John will hold an artist’s reception from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 25. Lemker will discuss his photography, and from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Bob Behringer will be performing with an American Indian flute.

The exhibit includes photos taken at locations throughout Ohio and Michigan and as far as Pacific Coast states and desert areas of California and Arizona.

“I find so much in nature that calls me beyond a casual awareness, to a response of the spirit,” said Lemker, who has been a photographer for a stock picture agency since 1984.

“My hope is to stimulate and encourage a sense of awe and wonder and gratitude for beauty in the viewer, a sense that will carry over into their own way of seeing.”

Lemker describes nature photography as “something that touches the spirit, a calm contemplative experience. Although I seek new places, I frequently revisit many favorite spots and many times see it in a new way.”

His work has been published throughout the United States and abroad. He has conducted several photography workshops at the Bergamo Center at Mount Saint John as well as for the University of Dayton’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

The Kentucky native attended a Marianist high school in Covington, where he was inspired to join the Marianists.

After he received a bachelor of science in physics from the University of Dayton, he taught physics and math in three Marianist high schools in 27 years. He earned a master’s degree in physics at Ohio State University. He also earned a master’s degree in scripture from Boston College.

Beginning in 1970, with a National Science Foundation grant, he spent three summers studying geology in Arizona, Colorado and Utah. Awed by the spectacular color, rock formations and desert beauty, he began his “serious quest to capture the beauty on film.”

Lemker, who has lived at the Marianist Novitiate at Mount Saint John since 1999, has expanded his subjects. The gallery is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and visits can be arranged other times by appointment by calling (937) 320-5405.

For more information on Gallery Saint John, visit www.dayton-gallery-saintjohn.org.

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