Both Elisabeth Neville and her father, Joseph Neville, are fascinated with capturing the essence of a person through art; she in photographs and he in sketches.

A joint exhibit of their work, Eidetic Image, is featured at The Griffin Museum at the Aberjona River Gallery in Winchester, MA, September 8 through November 27. An opening reception is Oct. 11, 6 – 7:30 PM.

Elisabeth’s photographic work explores the portrait and “its inherent drive to find one’s persona.&qot;

“These images are made up of a series of lives and souls,&qot; Elisabeth says. ” Each portrait is based on the knowledge I gain from each subject. Their expressions, their inner beauty and strengths are what are most important and hopefully inherent in these images. How they live, how they love, how their strength drives them – these are the intangible qualities that are visually conveyed in these photographs.

“They are drawn from the nature of strength, rage, beauty and humanity that are in each of us and make us the people we are,&qot; she continues. “Each subject is defined by ever-changing moods, unique emotion, and their own style, grace, and color. While their bodies and faces might not be perfect, the subtle qualities beneath the surface that shine through are what make their portraits meaningful to me.&qot;

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Neville dabbled in art as a child and later, while serving overseas in the Army, became interested in photography.

He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University, then master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology and clinical studies from Andover Newton Theological School. While in seminary, he served as youth minister at First Church UCC, in Winchester, and after graduation was called to Maple St. Congregational Church, Danvers, as associate minister. He later served as Coordinator of Councils and as Northeast Area Minister in the Massachusetts Conference, UCC, and Western Regional Minister in the Connecticut Conference, UCC.

After retiring to Plymouth, MA, in 2006, Joseph attended a few art workshops and found himself fascinated by pencil sketches that captured the essence of a person through the unique qualities of eyes and the effect light and shade have on skin values. In his home studio, he developed and continues to hone his art.

For this exhibit, Elisabeth suggested her father draw some of her subjects to accompany her photographs. He also created the frames for the photos and sketches.

Elisabeth, a native of Winchester, MA, who now lives in Marblehead, earned her bachelor’s degree in visual media with a concentration on photography and graphic design. After graduation, she continued her studies by receiving a certificate in high-end photographic scanning, retouching, and pre-press from the Rochester Institute of Technology. After 12 years in software quality assurance, Elisabeth returned to Northeastern and received her MPS in digital media, with a concentration in photography. As soon as she finished her degrees, Elisabeth left her job in quality assurance and began teaching photography and design-based courses at Northeastern. She also created her own photography business.

The Nevilles will discuss the exhibit, Eidetic Image, during Senior/Family Sunday Oct. 9, 3 p.m. at the Griffin 67 Shore Rd, Winchester MA 01890.