Bonny Lhotka, Boulder photographer extraordinaire, was an early proponent of having computers help create her art. In 1992, she began using a Macintosh to alter and produce her unusual images, typically based on subjects found in nature. A few years later, along with Dorothy Krause and Karen Schminke, she founded the Digital Atelier as a vehicle for conducting research on computer applications in the fine arts.

Lhotka’s latest body of work will go on display in Alchemy, an exhibit at Walker Fine Art at 300 West 11th Avenue. The multi-part, mixed-media pieces that make up the show are based on infrared photographs and printed using minerals and 24-karat gold; they’re meant to convey the primordial elements of earth, wind, fire and water. “As I watch the seasons turn, and barren land burst with new life each spring, seeds sprouting to plants, plants growing to trees, trees reaching for the sky in wondrous diversity,” Lhokta writes, “I think back to the transformation of the alchemists.” In this way, she links her work to that of the medieval sorcerers who tried to turn lead into gold — explaining the exhibit’s evocative, if ubiquitous, title.

There’s an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight at Walker Fine Art; Lhotka will be in attendance, discussing her process and answering questions. For additional information, call the gallery at 303-355-8955 or log on at www.walkerfineart.com.
Fri., May 29, 6-9 p.m., 2009