Wrapped Hay Bales and Storm Clouds; Mohler, Oregon

Artist Statement:

      “In my photography, I don't actively search for images. Such an approach often leads to disappointment when visual opportunities don't appear. Instead, I prefer to place myself in environments where I am more likely to be invited by Spirit to photograph. I remain open and receptive, grateful when these visual gifts present themselves. This image is one of my favorite examples of these serendipitous encounters. While winding down Hwy 53 on my way to photograph a commercial assignment, this mountain of wrapped bales glowing against threatening clouds invited me to stop and make an image."

Bio:

      “For over 45 years Loren Nelson has photographed with a Deardorff 4X5 view camera and used a traditional darkroom to produce selenium-toned silver gelatin prints. Recently, he has also incorporated a digital workflow, using a 35mm DSLR and an iPhone to respond more spontaneously to his surroundings. Along with his darkroom work, he prints his digital images on fine-art papers using archival pigment inks. Ongoing bodies of work include landscapes, seascapes, driftwood studies, botanicals, and Under Wraps, a series on wrapped buildings and landscapes.

      “Nelson's photographs are in numerous public and private collections, including the Portland Art Museum; the Hallie Ford Museum of Art; Salem, Oregon; and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts; Tampa, FL. He is represented by the Portland Art Museum/Rental Sales Gallery in Port-land, OR, and LightBox Photographic Gallery in Astoria, OR. His work has been published in View Camera, LensWork, B&W, Shots, and Analog Forever Magazines.”

                        Loren Nelson