North Gallery
John Jernigan The Power of Place
March 22 thru May 14, 2004
Since he was a child of 10, John
Jernigan thought of movies as an “eclectic
pool of lighting techniques and camera angles.” With this interest
in imagery, he began his formal studies. After failing at traditional
art programs, he found his true gift in photography earning a “then
rare degree” in photography from East Texas State University
in 1976.
Most careers are defined by humble beginnings, not the proverbial meteoric rise. Even the most talented among us labor long before they receive recognition and despite how gifted or political one may be, in the dominant paradigm, people are expected to earn their stripes. All this is true of Jernigan, who 30 years ago, traveled from Texas to Pennsylvania and New Mexico to Wisconsin in a Winnebago with a troop of fellow photographers to photograph freshly coifed women in beauty salons.
At 50, Jernigan, who worked for Oklahoma photographer David Fitzgerald
for 20 years, has earned his placement in the pantheon of the state’s
best photographers. Humble beginnings and a steadfast career gave way
to several traipses across Europe, a furious gait through crowded streets
lugging 50 pounds in equipment and photographing everything imaginable,
including the world’s great cathedrals. Today, Jernigan is also
known for his commercial endeavors and is an ongoing contributor to
Oklahoma Today.
“The Power of Place
It is often one’s surroundings
that defines artistry,
and it is often artistry
that defines one’s surroundings.”
– S. Morrow
As an artist in any medium, one never really knows what drives
you to the outcome. There is an inner acute sensibility towards a
situation or a moment in time that peaks the decision to capture
it, for it is fleeting. It’s the presence of mind to acknowledge
existing in the now; being aware of place, or the fading light, or
the human emotion.
Many influences throughout my life have contributed to the sensibilities I now possess and continue to hone. My childhood, as with many people of my generation, was often defined by the unrest and sweeping changes our nation experienced during the 60’s and 70’s. The pervasive quest of a generation breaking through the existing boundaries of understanding seeped into my unconscious thoughts. My brain, to this day, is saturated with glimpses and snapshots of undeniable impact.
Growing up the son of a military officer, I lived in many places
and was exposed to many cultures, increasing my awareness of a world
more complex and sensitive than I could have ever imagined. The indelible
imprints of time and place, the need to be present and cognizant of
life’s gifts at any given moment became the compelling force
that drives my infatuation with the lens.
Through the constant changes of my life, my parents have been my link to art and humanity. They provided the perfect balance between perseverance and illumination
My father was an instrumental element in molding my awareness; for giving me a sense of place, for imparting the knowledge that every moment deserves our undivided attention.
He was my giant among men.
My mother was my supporter, always acknowledging my persistent
desire to interpret life as I experienced it. Don’t back away,
go further than the last time, push the limits, adopt a different
perspective, uncover the meaning, experiment, grow, try to see beyond
the expected.
It is to my parents that I dedicate this exhibit acknowledging their unfettered support.
–John Jernigan
Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council. For more information contact Scott Cowan or Karen Sharp at 405.521.2931 or scott@arts.ok.gov.