Elizabeth Shatner`s Art by Nature at Lexington`s Mane on Main
Welcome to Elizabeth Shatner's special one night pop-up exhibit to celebrate the Lexington, KY premiere of "You Can Call Me Bill"!
Many of the works that Elizabeth has created over the years are inspired by the activities and communities that she and Bill have shared here in central Kentucky, as well as California and around the globe.
Tonight Elizabeth shares some of her favorites, conveying her and Bill's mutual love of the horse, as well as her own deep connection with the spiritual symbolism of the natural world.
Harrodsburg Roadster | A full moon rises over one of Kentucky's most storied show rings in this dream-like memory of equestrian tradition. In the background, Elizabeth's husband Bill, wearing his famous black and gold silks, guides his Roadster through the turn. Harrodsburg has a special feel to it when the fair is in town. Reminiscent of days gone by, you can almost hear the hoof beats of the thousands of horses that have covered this ground in Mercer county for nearly two centuries!   |
Cowboy Bill #1 | In this dynamic portrait of her husband on horseback, Elizabeth's unique digital treatment distills the atmosphere of rugged, wide-open spaces surrounding the seamless bond between a man and his horse. This moment was captured at Mike Flarida’s farm in Georgetown, KY, while Bill was training with him in the art of reining. Bill was preparing to participate in the Make a Wish Foundation’s event at the American Quarter Horse Futurity. The Shatners both enjoy reining as it truly exposes the beauty of the relationship between human and horse. |
Spanish Riding School | Original image was taken on the Shatner’s trip to Marbella, Spain in spring of 2010. This trip was to attend the Marbella Film Festival where Bill’s documentary “Gonzo Ballet” won an award for “Best Documentary”. They were able to take a “side trip” to a Spanish riding school (in Jerez) where they were invited by the school’s head trainer to share a training session with one of his prized pupils. Interesting footnote: Spain is among several European countries where the art of horsemanship is preserved and funded by the government, thus ensuring that the traditional art of high school dressage endures. The skills these horses learn are derived from the war horse maneuvers that won battles of the past, which have evolved into modern dressage competitions. The inter- species communication and partnership that is necessary to perform these skilled maneuvers is amazing to Elizabeth..thus, an inspiration for her art. |
Perfect Childhood | Watching foals in the field warms the heart. From a very young age, horses just love to run! This image of Call Me Regal was captured in 2005 in Simpsonville, KY. Call Me Regal is the award winning progeny of World Fine Harness Champion Call Me Ringo, one of the leading sires at Shatner’s Belle Reve Farm in Kentucky. |
Waiting for You Spain | A carriage horse waits patiently for its next set of riders. Original image was taken on the Shatners' trip to Marbella, Spain. This trip was to attend the Marbella Film Festival where Bill’s documentary “Gonzo Ballet” won an award for Best Documentary |
Mourning Swan | Mourning Swan has a special significance to the Shatners. It is a photograph of a bloom taken in their side yard in the early light of the day. The imagery represents the process of grief, coming out of the darkness, into the light. |
Phoenix | Using only natural, ambient light, Elizabeth’s macro lens revealed an image with powerful symbolism, that of the mighty Phoenix. Imagine rising from the ashes of trials and sorrow, to live again in the hope and light of tomorrow. |
Deep Purple | This photograph was taken in the Shatner’s backyard. It represents the beauty of the peak of life. The bloom is fertile, having gone through bud, to vibrant bloom with pollen just waiting to nourish new growth. It is a meditation on the cycle of life and a reminder to appreciate the time we have. |
Cherry Blossoms | Cherry Blossoms taken on a horse ranch inspire thoughts of spring, new beginnings, and youth. |
Crystal Light 2 | Crystal Light is a portrait series of a bloom from Elizabeth’s pet orchid. Having passed its prime, the bloom fell from the stem. As Elizabeth prepared to pick it up and discard it, she noticed that a beam of sunlight, shining through a crystal vase next to the flower, was producing a beautiful spectrum of color. She gently moved the bloom into that expanded light, and the beauty of this wilted bloom was revealed. The vase itself was an award given to the Shatners by the Starlight foundation for their philanthropic works. The positive energy, given freely by the sun, along with a gift connected to the altruistic giving of one’s self, merged to convey the message of the flower. There are times in our life when we may seem less than we were before; but when the light is found and received, we uncover eternal love, beauty and grace … the perfection that lies beyond the initial perception. In fact, the powerful impact that the first Crystal Light prints had on viewers inspired Elizabeth to create the "Into The Light" interactive community art project, designed to combat the modern epidemic of loneliness in America! Note that these three Crystal Light images are spiritual siblings, and are usually displayed as an Empowered Triptych. However, they may also be displayed and purchased as individuals. |
Crystal Light 6.jpg&width=175) | Crystal Light is a portrait series of a bloom from Elizabeth’s pet orchid. Having passed its prime, the bloom fell from the stem. As Elizabeth prepared to pick it up and discard it, she noticed that a beam of sunlight, shining through a crystal vase next to the flower, was producing a beautiful spectrum of color. She gently moved the bloom into that expanded light, and the beauty of this wilted bloom was revealed. The vase itself was an award given to the Shatners by the Starlight foundation for their philanthropic works. The positive energy, given freely by the sun, along with a gift connected to the altruistic giving of one’s self, merged to convey the message of the flower. There are times in our life when we may seem less than we were before; but when the light is found and received, we uncover eternal love, beauty and grace … the perfection that lies beyond the initial perception. In fact, the powerful impact that the first Crystal Light prints had on viewers inspired Elizabeth to create the "Into The Light" interactive community art project, designed to combat the modern epidemic of loneliness in America! Note that these three Crystal Light images are spiritual siblings, and are usually displayed as an Empowered Triptych. However, they may also be displayed and purchased as individuals. |
Crystal Light 1 | Crystal Light is a portrait series of a bloom from Elizabeth’s pet orchid. Having passed its prime, the bloom fell from the stem. As Elizabeth prepared to pick it up and discard it, she noticed that a beam of sunlight, shining through a crystal vase next to the flower, was producing a beautiful spectrum of color. She gently moved the bloom into that expanded light, and the beauty of this wilted bloom was revealed. The vase itself was an award given to the Shatners by the Starlight foundation for their philanthropic works. The positive energy, given freely by the sun, along with a gift connected to the altruistic giving of one’s self, merged to convey the message of the flower. There are times in our life when we may seem less than we were before; but when the light is found and received, we uncover eternal love, beauty and grace … the perfection that lies beyond the initial perception. In fact, the powerful impact that the first Crystal Light prints had on viewers inspired Elizabeth to create the "Into The Light" interactive community art project, designed to combat the modern epidemic of loneliness in America! Note that these three Crystal Light images are spiritual siblings, and are usually displayed as an Empowered Triptych. However, they may also be displayed and purchased as individuals. |
Crystal Light - Empowered Triptych | Crystal Light is a portrait series of a bloom from Elizabeth’s pet orchid. Having passed its prime, the bloom fell from the stem. As Elizabeth prepared to pick it up and discard it, she noticed that a beam of sunlight, shining through a crystal vase next to the flower, was producing a beautiful spectrum of color. She gently moved the bloom into that expanded light, and the beauty of this wilted bloom was revealed. The vase itself was an award given to the Shatners by the Starlight foundation for their philanthropic works. The positive energy, given freely by the sun, along with a gift connected to the altruistic giving of one’s self, merged to convey the message of the flower. There are times in our life when we may seem less than we were before; but when the light is found and received, we uncover eternal love, beauty and grace … the perfection that lies beyond the initial perception. In fact, the powerful impact that the first Crystal Light prints had on viewers inspired Elizabeth to create the "Into The Light" interactive community art project, designed to combat the modern epidemic of loneliness in America! Note that these three Crystal Light images are spiritual siblings, and are usually displayed as an Empowered Triptych. However, they may also be displayed and purchased as individuals. Includes all three Crystal Light pieces. |
Selfie Mosaic I | Special Edition: Part of the Into the Light interactive Exponential Artwork This photo mosaic represents the spirit of the folks who created a virtual community by uploading their projection selfies to the artist’s online IntoTheLight.me gallery during the piece’s installation at the Art Museum at the University of Kentucky in 2014. The shape of this mosaic is inspired by the “koru” symbol used by the Maori people of New Zealand. Derived from the unfurling fern frond, the spiral depicts new beginnings, growth, harmony, and the promise of meaningful relationships. These may be individualized selfies, but in this community of light, no one is alone. To learn more about Elizabeth's interactive video art installation, Into The Light, designed to celebrate community and combat the loneliness epidemic, click here. |
Selfie Mosaic IV | Bless your home, or any special place, with the positive energy of the communities that contributed to Elizabeth's Into The Light project from around the country. Based on the traditional Tibetan prayer flag, these Spirit Flags can be hung outdoors or indoors and are suitable as both fine-art and an expressive mantra of peace and harmony to the world." Special Edition: Part of the Into the Light interactive Exponential Artwork Among the oldest things in the universe, elliptical galaxies often form in the shape of a sphere. They grow and amplify when other newer galaxies collide with them, merging into an expansive, peaceful commune of multicolored lights blinking into and out of existence. This photo mosaic represents the spirit of the folks who interacted with the projection during its installation at the Rick Scalf Gallery in Lexington, KY in 2015, and who created a virtual community by uploading their projection selfies to the artist’s online IntoTheLight.me gallery. |
All Glory | A part of the Shatner’s Belle Reve family of horses since 2001, All Glory is a champion American Standardbred roadster show horse and 2010 Breyerfest Celebration Horse. He is an inspiration, having overcome great odds to succeed in the show ring and in life. In the show ring, he has had an unprecedented 12 Champion of Champions and world champions wins (not counting reserves) with both Bill and Liz. He is history in the making as he is one of the only American Standardbreds that has won major titles both under saddle and hitched to a sulky. In keeping with his inspirational name, All Glory is a great symbol of hope outside the ring as the official mascot for Elizabeth Shatner's non-profit, The All Glory Project, which supports equine- and canine-assisted therapy center for Military, Veterans and their families. His spirit is captured here, seeming to say, “You can do it!” |
Victory Rose | Victory Rose embodies the art of true performance. Delicacy and control of power become symbolic in this piece. The elegance and raw power of the horse are complemented by the Grand Championship rose held delicately in it’s riders hand along with the controlling reins. Fun Footnote: this horse and rider combination that so captured Elizabeth’s eye went on to also win the five gaited pleasure championship at the World’s Grand Championship later that year. |
Lotion | A sacred heart resting in pure luxury. |
Perfect Pony I - Ultimate Pony | The name says it all! |
Perfect Pony II | Even more perfection! |
All purchases include a certificate of authenticity.
Feel free to explore the rest of Elizabeth Shatner's Art by Nature
