Winter in New Zealand
A Study in Tranquility
David was moved by the natural beauty and shear expanse of New Zealand’s South Island. This collection of images was an attempt to immortalize the vastness of the landscapes as well as present a more intimate sense of its details. Presented by YJ Contemporary Fine Art, this exclusive show can be viewed starting Monday May 18th at the gallery or via this virtual tour link: https://www.yjcontemporary.com/artists/david-shedlarz
“Winter in New Zealand - A Study in Tranquility” was David’s first major foray into landscape photography. The beautiful, long exposure landscapes captured on New Zealand’s South Island in Winter are more than just pretty pictures. These images speak to your heart, stir emotions and beg for contemplation. Captured with the Phase One Medium Format Camera System, these 151-megapixel files maintain their resolution when printed large-allowing the viewer to be fully immersed in a quiet world where introspection soon follows. The first gallery showing of this limited-edition collection is an exclusive opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of New Zealand. Dye Sublimation onto aluminum with a matte finish presents the fine art collection in a different light. The finish does not compete with the images, there are no distractions. This is in many ways “old school” - letting the image shine on its own.
During these unprecedented times, Covid-19 has disrupted lives and livelihoods around the world. Our food banks have been overstretched by the massive increase in demand. David is donating 15% of the profits of this show to Feeding America’s Covid-19 Response Fund, a non-profit nationwide network of 200 food banks leading the fight against hunger in the United States, providing food through 60,000 food pantries. This organization has been vetted by GlobalGiving and has been given “partner” status, receiving a 4 out of 4 stars from Charity Navigator. We can make a difference, together.
The Artist
David had a penchant for art at an early age. A Fine Arts and Economics Major in college, his first passion was painting. David’s path took him to the corporate world where he put painting aside but picked up a camera as time would allow. A mathematician by nature, he is fascinated with the technical underpinnings of photography. The Medium Format Phase One and Technical cameras have peaked his enthusiasm for the art of photography.
Although he is a loner by nature, David is at home in the heart of a busy city. A New Yorker by birth, he has always enjoyed the heartbeat of city life. The constant motion of the streets inspires creativity. Capturing enduring portraiture in these difficult environments with The Phase One Medium Format Camera system, arguably the best camera system in the world, has been his passion for several years. When he decided to focus on landscape photography, New Zealand was his first choice. He chose the Winter because it was the “off” season. Many photographers crowd the iconic sites of New Zealand’s South Island during the summer. Not only did he want to break that mold, he wanted to focus on the less popular scenic splendor of the Island. New Zealand is extraordinary in the sheer expanse and diversity of the landscape, changing from green rolling hills to snow-capped mountains within a day’s drive. It was here that he woke up to the potential of pushing the boundaries of the most sophisticated camera system in the world. It was difficult for him to slow down, waiting for the light. The images captured in the collection “Winter in New Zealand-A study in Tranquility” are a result of his own personal introspection.
“My greatest challenge was in trying to capture the essence of this breathtaking and awe-inspiring landscape. These landscapes required my full attention. I just stopped to take in and appreciate this lifetime opportunity to really see and feel its profound beauty before clicking the shutter. The challenge, for me, was less in capturing a beautiful landscape image, but more in relaying the mood, feeling, and emotion. It was a soul-searching experience for me, a city boy, to slow things down and really contemplate the scene before me. I can only hope that the viewer will feel some of what I enjoyed, peacefully standing in front of these magnificent views.”
Dye Sublimation Printing
DYE-SUBLIMATION ONTO ALUMINUM
Sublimation onto aluminum (also known as metal print) is a process of infusing dyes into a sheet of pre-treated aluminum via heat transfer. Sublimation is the process of going from a solid to a gas, back to a solid - skipping the liquid state. Once the dyes submerge underneath the surface, the process is complete and permanent. Archival up to 65+ years tested by Wilhelm imaging research.
THE PROCESS
The image is first printed onto a transfer paper via inkjet technology. Then, the paper is adhered to a sheet of pre-treated aluminum. Finally, it is put into a heat press where the temperatures reach between 350-400 degrees. While being subjected to extreme heat and pressure, the dyes from the transfer paper turn into a gas, are pressed into the surface of the metal, and then solidify into the treated aluminum. This is where the sublimation-heat transfer occurs. The transfer process takes between 3-10 minutes per press. Once out of the press, the aluminum cools and the process is complete. There is no additional coatings or laminated applied after. As the dyes cool, they are permanently infused beneath the surface of the metal substrate.
THE BENEFITS
It is scratch resistant as the dyes are infused beneath the exterior coating which makes it more durable than other mediums because it cannot be scratched or peeled off the surface. Fingerprints or blemishes can be wiped off the surface with a microfiber cloth. Because of the light weight of the aluminum, it is more sensical to use this process when printing large format. Recycled aluminum is fire retardant and holds up against high heat.
THE FINISH
David chose a white matte finish for this collection to complement the tranquil images and relay the timeless feel of vintage work. Because there is no reflection from this finish, it is an excellent choice for spaces with natural sunlit areas.
In collaboration with Blazing Editions.