COURTESY PHOTO "The Cloud Eaters," is an oil on wood panel by Christopher St. John. The artist's work is on exhibit at Bethel Street Gallery. "There's a lot of anxiety in this work, from a loved one being sent off to a ... violent part of the world (my wife in Iraq), to being worried that I can't be mother and father to someone who is dearer to me than oxygen (my son)," St. John says.

Moments of everyday life

Bethel Street Gallery is showing the colorful paintings and black-and-white drawings of Christopher St. John in "The Cloud Eaters," on exhibit through Aug. 28.

Gallery owner Marc Turner calls St. John's work honest.

"Anxiety, fear, power struggles between people -- the whole gamut of human emotions come out in his work. I appreciate that honesty."

St. John says the pieces comprise "bits of my story ... plenty of emotional stuff. But these paintings aren't about me ... I just want to paint."

Ultimately, the artist hopes his work inspires self-reflection. "These paintings are asking the viewers to look at themselves looking at the world around them, and see if what they see makes sense to them."

Those interested in taking up St. John's challenge can visit Bethel Street Gallery at 1140 Bethel St. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays by appointment only. Call 524-3552.

COURTESY PHOTO "Cliffhanger."

COURTESY PHOTO "Memorial," an oil on wood panel piece.

COURTESY PHOTO "Deep End" is a mixed media on paper.