Randy Dana

Creative direction:

I create contemporary still life arrangements of fruit and flowers incorporating stone, glass, metals and a variety of artifacts. All images are from a single negative and single exposure.

Many images are multi-leveled compositions arranged on and under a horizontal glass sheet. The 4″ X 5″ view camera allows me to create shifts in perspective; the reflective glass surface appears to fall away before us. We look through the reflections at a reality below the surface. Color, form and texture blend in the camera. The image takes on a subtle, slightly surreal complexity inviting a closer look.

It is my goal as artist and photographer to encourage this closer examination of ordinary things by presenting them in unusual context.

Technical Information:

I shoot with 4″x5″ color negative film, Fuji Pro S 160 which I expose at 100ASA. My light source is naturally diffused sunlight. I do all my own darkroom work both traditional and digital. Traditional techniques: Burning & dodging, color correction and density control are used to maximize the potential of each image and each individual print. Transitioning in 2006, for newer images I have scanned the negative and used Photoshop to enable the same results achieved in the traditional darkroom. I have printed these Archival Inkjet Prints using Epson Ultrachrome K3 inks on Epson photo papers. Fuji Crystal Archive photographic paper is used for traditional prints. All prints are archival and expected to be color fast for 60-100 years under normal viewing conditions. All matting and mounting materials are archival.

I love answering questions and hearing comments, so please don’t hesitate. I hope you enjoy the work.