"For many years now, I have worked in various historic 19th century photographic printing techniques. I concentrate mostly on gum bichromate; platinum/palladium; and cyanotype. All are hand-applied contact printing processes, exposed only by UV light. Each image is unique, one-of-a-kind, and hand-brushed on watercolor paper."
-Diana Bloomfield
"Belle" is an evocative exploration of the natural world and the feminine spirit. This solo exhibition by Diana Bloomfield brings together works that honour the connection between femininity and nature, portraying this relationship as both a reflection of nature's grace and the indomitable force within it.
Photographer Diana Bloomfield is an acclaimed printer known for her extraordinary skill in historical alternative photographic processes. Her work is distinguished not only by its visual beauty but also by the technical mastery that underpins it. These methods require meticulous attention to detail and an intimate understanding of the materials, resulting in images of unparalleled depth and subtlety that is almost painterly.
Bloomfield's work is characterized by its dreamlike quality, often rendered in soft, glowing warm tones, evoking a sense of timelessness, capturing moments of quiet strength and introspection. Through her use of vintage photographic and printing techniques, Bloomfield bridges the past and present, creating works that resonate with both historical depth and contemporary relevance.
The exhibition opens with "Entrance," an image that depicts a woman standing at the end of a long dark hallway, her arms outstretched as if she is preparing to step into the unknown. This composition symbolizes a passage into a secret garden of potential.
Bloomfield's nature photographs capture the quiet yet powerful beauty of natural elements. Magnolias, with their majestic blooms, symbolize grace, and enduring resilience. Dahlias, known for their vibrant and intricate petals, represent creativity and growth. Hydrangeas, with their clusters of delicate blooms, reflect the multifaceted nature of the female spirit. Whelk shells, with their intricate spirals and natural elegance, highlight the beauty found in natural patterns and forms. Dried milkweed pods, with their sculptural, weathered appearance, symbolize the dignity and freedom.
The exhibition concludes with the final photograph, "Light Dancer" where the same woman is captured dancing in the same hallway. This closing image embodies a sense of liberation.
"Belle" invites viewers to see beauty not just as an aesthetic quality but as a vital, living force that sustains, nurtures, and empowers.
