MacDowell

In 1985, as a young artist, I was accepted at the MacDowell the first time I applied. I did not know what a life changing experience it would be. My world up until this point, consisted of starting two college level photography programs, and showing my work in solo and group exhibitions. I had never been supported to actually make the work!

It changed my life.

I completed 2 projects at MacDowell. One from my travels to London made just before starting the residency; and, my MacDowell Dairy series. Each day I made, one and only one, photograph using 4x5 inch Polaroid Type 55 film. The amazing thing about type 55 film is that one instantly gets both a proof print & a beautiful negative. From the negatives, I made these contacts prints on 8x10 warm toned photographic paper. In all I made 48 prints. I also drew a bit at MacDowell. For me, like a lot of artists, drawing came first. From there, I found my way into printmaking, and then photography.

In fact, many years later, I realized that I followed the very same path as the invention of photography.

My day 48 photograph from my MacDowell series: One photo a day: September 4 – October 21, 1985