Late 20th Century "Machismo", Enigmatic Valerie Dow Toned Silver Print, Oils on Paper

Description

"Machismo" 1999, Valarie Dow, MFA, University of Utah
Enigmatic Toned Silver Print, Oils on Paper
27 x 37 in.
Mounted … more "Machismo" 1999, Valarie Dow, MFA, University of Utah
Enigmatic Toned Silver Print, Oils on Paper
27 x 37 in.
Mounted on 30 x 39 in. paper, unframed
Purchased in 2001, Salt Lake City Gallery, Utah

Artist Statement:
This work involves my exploration of the beauty of places and objects which contain a human history and illustrates my interest in the passing of time. I illustrate this with the use of a reflective surface. I hope to say that our past brings a richness to our present and
deserves honor.
The compilation o f work in this thesis involves a span of 10 years. I began it by
taking photographs of personal space and places filled with symbols o f time. I examined
reflective surface to increase ambiguity and emphasize the passing of time and later
applied colored oil paint and stains as physical and emotional response to the images.

I work with each image until it has reached a resolution beyond what I find in my straight photographic prints. I have started to take the time to explore my response to an image and add color to reflect the emotion I want it to express. I do this by physically adding toners, coffee, iron oxide, and oil paint to its surface.

I attempt to create visual images that translate like a line in a poem or novel to
invite the viewer to linger awhile. less