The exhibit consists of fifty photographs by Ellen Jonsson from her scuba diving trips to Dominica, the Caymans, Honduras, Cozumel and Cancun. The photographs were taken in the 1980 and 1990’s with a Nikonos V camera with a strobe attachment. The colorful photographs illustrate the beauty of the underwater world, and the interdependence of algae, coral, sponges, tunicates, fish, starfish, tubeworms, and other reef inhabitants. All photographs were handprinted by the photographer.

Jonsson holds a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design and has had solo photo exhibits over the years in several other subjects, including abstract and surreal images.

A public informal opening reception will be held Saturday, January 3 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Call the Norwich Library for hours.

“I am not a marine biologist but always need to know the names of things that I photograph.  I was astonished by the variety, colors, shapes, and relationships of life on coral reefs. Until the 1950’s, only free divers could experience some of these wonders. The development of safe SCUBA equipment and excellent underwater cameras allows us to see and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world’s reefs and their importance to our health and well-being. Protecting coral reefs and the animals and plants they support is an essential part of maintaining a healthy planet.”
-Ellen Jonsson

The Photographer: Ellen Jonsson

Raised in Connecticut on the shores of Long Island Sound, Jonsson became interested in ocean life. She received a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and MBA from the University of Oklahoma. Jonsson always pursued photography in her spare time between family and work. In Oklahoma, she had solo photography exhibits of wildlife, lichens, wildflowers, landscapes, and then reef life. In the late 1980’s, Jonsson received the NAUI Scuba Diver card in Oklahoma, then the PADI Specialty Underwater Photographer card in the Cayman Islands.

Showing January 3 – February 27 | Opening Reception – Saturday, January 3, 3-5 PM