Snorkeler

Artist: David Burdeny

Title: Snorkeler (After Misrach)

Media: Photograph, Archival Pigment Print

Dimensions: 45” x 55”, 32” x 40”, 21” x 24”, 13” x 16”

Date: 2011

David Burdeny became interested in photography at the tender age of 12 when he began to photograph landscapes of the prairie in Canada.  Essentially self taught, he deliberately shoots near dark and in inadequate lighting, using particularly long exposures to observe what the eye normally cannot.  David has a Masters in Architecture and a degree in interior design.  He has numerous exhibitions, been published in various magazines and received many awards for his work in photography.  

"Traverse" is David Burdeny's newest collection of photographs focusing on the areas of the Pacific region. Varied in subject matter, the range reminds us of past works from his early series, "Ancora," and the celebrated "Shorelines" series, of the encompassing architectural imagery of 2009-2011, and Burdeny's ultimate and signature theme, the ocean.

 – Jennifer Kostuik Gallery

This work demonstrates Burdeny’s sharp skill when working with natural light.  He recently introduced people into his photographs, which is shown in his “Snorkeler” piece.  According to Burdeny, including people in his photos involve a bit of a narrative, but mostly form and light are key ingredients to his art.

Burdeny’s “Snorkeler” is the only piece in my exhibition that involves a person.  Though small in comparison to the entire photograph, the snorkeler is a vital feature of the product.  A person is necessary for the title of the piece, which this photo validates attractively with a sole snorkeler at a beach in Maui, Hawaii.  I find the snorkeler, swimming in the ocean, illustrates how we as land animals, can dive into another environment, one that endures under another umbrella of existence.  Snorkeling allows people to see into that environment, where a world of animals can live in such a different atmosphere, with its own aquatic flavor and beauty.