honorable mention
Jan Bell united states
Photo © Jan Bell
title
Distant Island
Whether it’s a plant, a landscape, or a manmade structure, each photo represents an opportunity to consider the subject – almost apart from its meaning or function – in terms of the beauty of its form. Whether it be the inner folds of a plant, a sand-swept dune, or a distant coastline, I focus on an intimate view. By narrowing the scope, I allow the viewer to see only elements of a shape, a pattern, or a texture.
I am an avid adventurer, and spend a considerable amount of time in the wilderness. Being at one with my surroundings allows me to connect with the land and compose my images. While a majority of these images are photographed in remote areas, others come from urban settings. Ironically both have a similar feel.
The images in my portfolio are influenced by a 30 year career in graphic design. Seeing the world through the eyes of a designer influences one's aesthetic, particularly one's compositions.
My current body of work makes use of longer than usual exposures, imparting a mediative quality to the image. Water becomes an ethereal element. Skies become blurred over the passage of time.
All photos are printed using archival pigments on museum grade fine art papers.
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entry description
This image was photographed in a remote area of Lake Superior. The foreground rock provides a resting place; while the distant island floats between low hanging clouds and water. The water in this photo takes on a dreamy, ethereal quality, not detracting from the foreground/background. My goal was to create a tranquil space, one where the viewer would linger and dream.about the photographer
Since early childhood I have been inspired by the natural world. Growing up on a farm in the flatlands of the midwest instilled an appreciation for the land. This innate passion has continued into my adult life and translates as the work you see today.Whether it’s a plant, a landscape, or a manmade structure, each photo represents an opportunity to consider the subject – almost apart from its meaning or function – in terms of the beauty of its form. Whether it be the inner folds of a plant, a sand-swept dune, or a distant coastline, I focus on an intimate view. By narrowing the scope, I allow the viewer to see only elements of a shape, a pattern, or a texture.
I am an avid adventurer, and spend a considerable amount of time in the wilderness. Being at one with my surroundings allows me to connect with the land and compose my images. While a majority of these images are photographed in remote areas, others come from urban settings. Ironically both have a similar feel.
The images in my portfolio are influenced by a 30 year career in graphic design. Seeing the world through the eyes of a designer influences one's aesthetic, particularly one's compositions.
My current body of work makes use of longer than usual exposures, imparting a mediative quality to the image. Water becomes an ethereal element. Skies become blurred over the passage of time.
All photos are printed using archival pigments on museum grade fine art papers.
back to gallery
