Sea fans have brilliant colors and intricate, lace-like patterns, contributing to the beauty of St. John’s reefs.
A Giant Caribbean Anemone in the mangroves in Hurricane Hole, above.
Mark those calendars for Friday evening, November 23, when marine photographer Caroline Rogers will be signing copies of her books and showcasing new work at a Bajo el Sol Gallery opening reception.
The reception kicks off at 5 p.m. and will also feature David Laabs playing classical guitar. The event is part of the excitement at Mongoose Junction’s Evening in the Courtyard, which will also feature raffles, discounts and specials at many stores in the shopping complex.
At Bajo el Sol, Rogers will be showcasing new works taken over the past few months in local waters while exploring with nothing more than a mask and snorkel, explained the artist.
As a marine ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Rogers is often faced with depressing news about the state of the world’s corals. In the face of such research, the beauty of local waters is a bright point, explained the photographer.
“I’ve been really obsessed with taking pictures underwater since about 2005,” said Rogers. “I still find it really fascinating and it cheers me up to go out and see some of the things that are really thriving, because coral reefs are in such crisis world-wide.”
Her time spent in local waters, especially the mangroves of Hurricane Hole, is the perfect counter-point to her day job.
“One thing that has been really fascinating about Hurricane Hole is that I have been contacting people who work on mangroves in the Pacific and the Caribbean and so far I have not found anyone who has heard of any other place like it,” said Rogers. “What makes it different is the number of different kinds of corals. There are 30 different species of corals and that is incredible.”
“You might find an area where there are a couple of different species of corals growing, but we have 30 different kinds and some of them are quite rare,” she said. “I find it absolutely amazing. It’s not just beautiful, which it is, but also an incredible research site and, as far as we know, unique.”
Rogers latest works include seascapes from Mary Creek and Booby Rock, with purple sea fans giving an abstract, almost impressionistic feeling to the scenes. Photographs of sea turtles, blue tangs, anemones and fish among mangrove roots will be on display as well.
With each image, Rogers strives to capture both rare sightings and things that might go over-looked by the casual observer.
“Some of the close-ups bring attention to colors and textures that many people may not have noticed before,” she said. “It is exciting for people when they realize that anyone can come across a rare fish or see something unusual at any time.”
Rogers will also be signing copies of her books Coral Reef Stars and The Mysterious, Magical Mangroves of St. John, at the opening.
The photographer thanked John Baldwin of Frames of Mind, who “was extremely generous with his time and expertise in producing these prints,” Rogers said.
The marine photographer also thanked Bajo el Sol for the opportunity to showcase her work.
“I am very excited that Bajo el Sol Gallery will once again be having an opening reception for me, featuring a new collection of photographs from St. John,” said Rogers. “I love the gallery and feel honored to have my pictures on display here.”
For more information about Rogers’ opening, call Bajo el Sol at 693-7070.
