News

MARSHALLTOWN – An exhibition of David Jones’ photography, titled “Crystals,” will open with a public reception on Monday, February 24 from noon to 1:30 pm at Ray Frederick Gallery on the Marshalltown Community College campus.

Jones’ journey into the world of microscopic photography began unexpectedly during his time as an Electronic Technician at Fisher Controls in Marshalltown. While disassembling equipment for disposal, Jones encountered a peculiar issue with the electronic connectors. “After I noticed the unusual growth on the electronic connectors, I learned that the crystalline structure was quite fragile and highly susceptible to vibration.” Jones explained. “When I tried to remove the connectors with a screw gun, the vibration alone caused the crystal corrosion to break and fall off of the connector.”

Driven by curiosity, Jones meticulously photographed the growths using a microscope. “Taking the equipment apart to dispose of it revealed the extent of growth on the electrical connections, almost like hair with fingers sticking out.”

Jones discovered the growths were silver sulfide, a result of corrosion between the silver alloy in the connector and another unknown substance.  “When that silver sulfide and alloy mixed with something else, it created the corrosion. I stumbled upon it, started taking pictures.” This experience ignited a passion for microscopic photography, opening a new chapter in Jones’ career and leading to the upcoming exhibit showcasing his unique perspective.

Jones’ microscopic photography captures the unseen world with stunning clarity.  His process involves utilizing a microscope that can take multiple pictures at various focal depths, allowing him to combine only the in-focus pixels into a single, sharp image.  This technique reveals intricate details, which would be entirely out of focus using traditional microscopy.  The microscope’s capabilities even allow for image stitching, as the field of view is limited.

What fascinates Jone most is the unexpected complexity and apparent intelligence he observes in these microscopic structures.  “It’s crazy,” he remarks, “It’s almost like this is a non-living entity, but it appears to have intelligence. Look at what nature can do,” he exclaims, highlighting the awe-inspiring beauty and complexity revealed through his unique perspective.

Jones’ exhibit will feature around 20 photographs and will all be available for sale.

When asked about influences in his art Jones’ commented, “I think it’s cool to observe nature and then all of a sudden it’s like, look what you can find when you look close enough.”

Art in several forms as always been a part of Jones’ life. “I’ve been doing a variety of craft related things basically my whole life and so there isn’t really a limitation where that goes. From quilting, sewing clothing when I was younger, painting, and ceramics just to name a few.” Lately he is focusing his creative energy rebuilding a house.

Jones’ connection to MCC began in 2018. He had accumulated college credits from various institutions, including time in the army. Initially intending to transfer to Iowa State, he shifted focus to completing an associate’s degree at MCC. Realizing he only needed four more classes, including public speaking and art appreciation, where he met MCC art professor, Tim Castle, he finished his degree at MCC in 2021.

This will be Jones’ first exhibit in the Ray Frederick Gallery at MCC. “I think it’ll be cool to you put my name and work out there in the world to say hey I like artistic stuff and hopefully people will look at it and one day say that I got a David Jones.”

The Jones exhibition closes at noon on Friday, March 28. The gallery is open weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm but will be closed for Spring Break March 17-21. For further information about the Ray Frederick Gallery, please contact Tim Castle at Tim.Castle@iavalley.edu.