“Everywhere I go I see faces,” says artist Dave Pressler. But these faces are not just ordinary faces.
“Once you become sensitive to the bi-lateral symmetry of face,” says Pressler, “ you can see faces everywhere.” Pressler sees faces in everyday things: “man made objects, geological formations, botanical specimens…”
Pressler presented his solo exhibition “Let’s Face it” on Sept. 8 at the Fairfield University Bookstore. Along with his photography, Pressler amused his audience with his humor.
Each photo had a pun or clever title to add a sense of whimsy to his collection.
“What is in sight can give you insight” chuckled Pressler as he used wordplay to convey the message behind his work.
After finishing another joke, Pressler turned to the audience and exclaimed, “We are always moving too fast! Everything is in our peripheral,” and then began to laugh about another pun he remembered.
The puns, as well as Pressler’s refreshing insight, was contagious. “It brings out a different aspect of life that people overlook,” said Mike Elwell ‘13, “instead of taking everything at face value.”
While Elwell appreciated the refreshing point of view, he believed the event itself could have been improved. “It’s a nice open space but at the same time not a lot of people pass through at 11 a.m. on a Saturday morning.”
Nancy Quinn, the Community Relations Coordinator, stated that community outreach is one of the bookstore’s main focuses. Unfortunately, people in town sometimes think the bookstore is only for Fairfield University students.
Although this misconception can present challenges there have been no shortages of events. A brochure is published every month with events for the entire family as well as students. The bookstore also holds special events such as lectures by faculty, book signings, and musicians.
Pressler’s featured collection and presentation is a tradition continued by Craig Kennedy, manager of the old Borders and now the current manager of the bookstore.
Since the bookstore opened in Nov. 2011 they have not missed one month of featured artists. Three of the 11 featured artists attended Pressler’s presentation.
Quinn said they wanted to open up the exhibition to Fairfield University students. She has been working with Jo Yarrington, the Professor of Visual & Performing Arts at Fairfield University, to do so.
Quinn also stressed how she wanted more students to come to the lectures and events. “It’s knowledge that’s free and open for the community.”
In October the featured artist continues with Duane Corey and his painting of African-American baseball players.
All events can be found on the Fairfield University Bookstore website here.
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