Carolyn Monastra
Primary Medium: Photography
Other media: Film / Video
Carolyn Monastra
Email: cam (at) carolynmonastra (dot) com
Website: http://CarolynMonastra.com
Artist Statement
My work is influenced by my deeply-felt connections to the land. I draw from fairy tales, myths, the fragmentary space of dreams and my personal experiences with the environment to discover and create mystery in the realm of the natural world. Whereas most landscape photographers seek out grand sweeping vistas, I am interested in the smaller, somewhat sinister worlds that exist off the beaten path. It is a darker, enigmatic beauty to which I am drawn - that of the shadowy forests of Hansel and Gretel not the pristine views of Ansel Adams.
The pictures in my flat file are from my series, "lovely, dark and deep."
These long exposures, taken at twilight, embody both the seduction and the apprehension that surface for me during that blue hour. As dusk falls, objects become hazy and sounds amplified. The mind plays tricks. The world is a less certain, more mystifying, but still alluring place.
Other media: Film / Video
Carolyn Monastra
Email: cam (at) carolynmonastra (dot) com
Website: http://CarolynMonastra.com
Artist Statement
My work is influenced by my deeply-felt connections to the land. I draw from fairy tales, myths, the fragmentary space of dreams and my personal experiences with the environment to discover and create mystery in the realm of the natural world. Whereas most landscape photographers seek out grand sweeping vistas, I am interested in the smaller, somewhat sinister worlds that exist off the beaten path. It is a darker, enigmatic beauty to which I am drawn - that of the shadowy forests of Hansel and Gretel not the pristine views of Ansel Adams.
The pictures in my flat file are from my series, "lovely, dark and deep."
These long exposures, taken at twilight, embody both the seduction and the apprehension that surface for me during that blue hour. As dusk falls, objects become hazy and sounds amplified. The mind plays tricks. The world is a less certain, more mystifying, but still alluring place.
Selected Works
|  lovely, dark and deep # 1 - 2005 - photography - 20 x 16" - $1,250.00  lovely, dark and deep # 12 - 2006 - photography - 20 x 16" - $1,250.00 [Fundraiser]  lovely, dark and deep # 6 - 2006 - photography - 16 x 20" - $1,250.00 [Fundraiser]  lovely, dark and deep # 14 - 2007 - photography - 20 x 16" - $1,250.00  lovely, dark and deep # 11 - 2006 - photography - 20 x 16" - $1,250.00  lovely, dark and deep # 34 - 2008 - photography - 16 x 20" - $1,250.00  lovely, dark and deep # 41 - 2008 - photography - 20 x 16" - $1,250.00 |
Artist Bio
A graduate of Yale University's School of Art, Carolyn Monastra has exhibited her work both nationally and abroad. She has been the recipient of several awards, including a multi-media fellowship from The Rotunda Gallery and BCAT as well a travel grant from the English Speaking Union. Recent artist residencies, including The Skaftfell Cultural Center in Iceland, The Djerassi Foundation, Blue Mountain Center, and The Millay Colony, have provided her with wide open spaces and lush foliage in which to pursue her work in the landscape. Her photographs are in several collections including the Margulies Collection in Miami and The Johnson & Johnson Corporate Art Collection. Ms. Monastra currently lives in Brooklyn and maintains a studio in Long Island City.