ENTRY DESCRIPTION
The oyster mushroom captured my imagination because of their bizarre shapes, alien textures and intricate detail. To create the best images, my preference is the brown and pink color varieties of the oyster mushroom; however, with creativity I am able to capture unique images with blue and grey color varieties. I source the fresh mushrooms at my local framer’s market. I am always on the lookout for other wild mushroom varieties to use in the creation of my artwork.

To compose the image, I experiment with the position of the mushroom cluster. This leads to the opportunity of multiple unique images from the same cluster. The subject is best presented against a rich black background. Prior to clicking the shutter, I pay careful attention to the focus, the quality of lighting and anticipate printing the image in the darkroom. To round out my artistic expression, I use my darkroom skills to create depth and warmth in the subject. I present the image in a square format as this allows the mushroom cluster to monopolize the space.

Rather than titling each image, I number the images sequentially to allow the viewer to form their own interpretation.

This image was created in 2017 with a Mamiya RZ67 Professional II medium format camera with a Sekor Z 110mm f/2.8W lens. I used Ilford Delta 100 Professional Black & White film and print on Ilford multigrade FB warmtone paper (glossy finish).

AUTHOR
Contemporary fine art photographer Dale M Reid took charge of her destiny by making a commitment to herself and her life partner and soulmate.

Reid’s belief in herself has allowed her to chart a new course in life as a full-time professional artist and transgender woman. As Dale transitioned through her new life journey, she developed technical skills, questioned convention, trusted her instincts, and with her passion, was able to craft a distinctive artistic voice. Her artwork ranges from classical to sensual to erotic and engages the viewer to question what they see.

Owning who we are, respecting and trusting our character, and engaging people has allowed Dale to be accepted as a respected woman and professional artist.

In this digitalized world of pop art photography, Dale's unique traditional monochromatic images contain elements of being a painting or graphite. The lack of color allows the viewer to focus on the variety of textures and the richness of interesting lines and shapes that engage in an elegant, visual synthesis in each photograph.

Reid developed her artistic style with a strong focus on creating landscape images ranging from maritime to urban to industrial views. Today, her artwork is primarily created in the studio where she imbues botanical subjects with unimaginable personality and emotion.

Dale has achieved international recognition through participation in solo and group exhibitions, receiving awards and having her artwork published in print and online.

Dale M Reid is currently based in Toronto, Canada.

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