There are only two native stands of Monterey cypress, here at Point Lobos and in Pebble Beach. The occurrence of the Monterey cypress in just these two localities has led to its listing  by the State of California as a Category 1 Rare and Endangered Species. The cypresses within Point  Lobos are especially valuable because of their isolation from planted cypresses from other areas. The cypress family tree has existed for 200 million years.    -  California Native Plant Society

Statement

Art and photography have always played a large part in my life. With this series, I aimed to capture the elegance and grace of the female spirit. To share in their natural beauty and mystery of being, yet, secretly wishing to leave traces of their identity forever. I chose platinum as a medium for its distinct vintage quality and archival properties for this vision.

My images are not portraits - they are studies - yet they radiate the individuality of my subjects through their emotion-laced gestures. My studies blend formal and sensual qualities, but they do not reside merely in the middle of the conventional spectrum - the women whom I represent exist for themselves.

I use traditional techniques, including a large format view camera with black and white sheet film. After I develop the film, I print the images onto hand-coated platinum/palladium paper. With their wide range of tones, platinum images are exceptionally beautiful.

Exhibitions:
ARTropolis - The Artist Project, Apollo Theater, The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Studio b., Anatomically Correct Gallery, Oval Art Gallery, and FLATFILEgalleries

© 2007 No image on this website may be copied without the expressed written consent of the artist.