Beauty through the eyes of a beholder Matawan resident's solo show recaps decade of photographic work BY LINDA DeNICOLA Staff Writer "Illuminated Path" Photographer Jennie A. Meares is immersed in the local art scene. She has been snapping pictures professionally for 10 years now. Her "Jam" signature has become a familiar sight in countless group and solo exhibitions as well as in private collections. Over the past decade, she has shown her work in numerous local exhibitions. This time, she is combining her passion for coffee with her passion for beauty and showing in a solo exhibit at Starbucks on the corner of Broad and White streets in Red Bank. A Matawan resident who was born in Red Bank, she had her first show in a Matawan coffee shop in 1998, so in a sense, the last 10 years have proved to be a rich blend. Through Jan. 3, an array of a decade's worth of award-winning photographs will be on display at Starbucks. The show will include 20 to 30 pieces inspired by natural and man-made beauty in subjects ranging from seascapes to statues, reflections to parades, angels to music, and a trademark reflection or two. "Snowy Fence" On Dec. 9, between 3-5 p.m., and Dec. 12, between 7-9 p.m., there will be a meet and greet the artist. It has been an exciting decade for Meares, and this has been a particularly prolific year. Much to her delight, her work "Dive Into the Clouds" was accepted into the Guild of Creative Arts' 14th annual Open Juried Show that ran in October. That was followed by her multiprize-winning reflection "Autumn Impression" getting into the Art Alliance's 20th annual N.J. Statewide Juried Exhibition this month. Meares is also one of the artists showing at Frederick Gallery's eighth Anniversary Show in Allenhurst through Dec. 30. The solo exhibit at Starbucks is not all that Meares is gearing up for at this moment. She has been accepted into the Asbury Park Photo Show that will be held at McKay Imaging Studio and Gallery, 12 Monmouth St. That show runs through Jan. 7. "Beauty is my inspiration, be it of nature's wonders or the brilliant color, composition or humor of a special face or place," Meares said. "My fascination with reflections through images that range from impressionistic to abstract often challenge others' perspectives and make them question which way is up." "Through My Eyes" One of her friends asked her recently, "Don't you get tired of seeing the world upside down?" Meares answered, "I see reflections all over the place. I've been given this gift, and I'm grateful. If I can touch someone, it is even better." She likes to remind people that "paradise is everywhere." Her floral, outdoor children's portraits, seascapes, and unusual and whimsical perspectives now hang in private collections throughout the country as well as in local venues. "I'm in a lot of places, and there are people who collect my work all over the country. I really feel as though I'm following my path," she said. Meares noted that she still works primarily with a 35mm camera, and has only recently begun experimenting with digital. Her first camera was given to her by an acquaintance who was a professional photographer. "Believe" "He was visiting a mutual friend and asked me what I was shooting with? He gave me his old camera with five lenses," she said. Meares said although she has a newer camera, she still uses those lenses and is still most comfortable with a fully manual camera. Meares has had quite a bit of early success. She had taken only one course when she entered her first statewide show at the Art Alliance in 1998, and her piece was accepted. "Six months later, I had the nerve to have my first solo exhibit. It's been a whirlwind," she said. "I love that I can still show some of my earlier shots." Her skills have grown with experience, she noted. "I can look through my albums from 10 years ago and see how I could have done it better, but mixed in with them, there are some great pieces." "Horses in Shadows" She added that her photographs are more spiritual than technical. "The photographic reflections in my show are not manipulated, neither are the more abstract shots. They are true," she said. She hopes that holiday shoppers will take a break from the hustle and bustle and stop in at Starbucks for coffee and a feast for the eyes.