A recent exhibit at ECA+ Gallery in Easthampton featured the work of  Trevor Powers. There were large scale ( 36" x 48" ) photographic images of dog holes and smaller sized images of the nearby surroundings. The artist statement summed up the point of the exhibit, complementing  the visual  imagery. It was very nice to read a photographer's statement that did not feel the need to compare or equate photography to painting.

Too often photographs are produced in a very large size in order to compensate for a lack of content. This was not the case with "Dog Holes".

Scale was important to the photographer. It brings the viewer into a more life size aspect of the subject. An 8" x 10" or 11" x 14"  photograph would not have been as effective for these dog holes. The viewer is drawn into these places from across the gallery. Powers told me his large scale choice was to give a better sense of actual scale to the subject matter.  Upon closer inspection, details can be seen. Considering the process, this xerography has a decent amount of contrast  and shadow detail.

This large scale print process is usually used for engineering drawings. It is a very economical way for a photographer to have large scale work printed up when needed. Normally to have photographs printed to such a size would  be very expensive. And perhaps then limit what the photographer is presenting to the public. This process was a good choice by the photographer since the sale of art works  by local artists in the Pioneer Valley are not as strong as I would like to see.

The photographs for sale were in a limited edition, being a common practice to give more monetary value to works of art. The statement sheet booklet was also produced in a limited edition. Upon opening up the booklet there is an image of one of the dog holes. However , Trevor  was not thinking in terms of monetary value but having the booklet viewed as an art piece in itself. He has experience making artist books and zines.

Trevor has been trained and worked in traditional photographic processes commonly referred to as analog photography. He is also proficient in  digital photography. The images in this show were taken with an older Canon Power Shot. Something I refer to as a point and shoot camera.

Since Powers has worked in traditional photography I had to ask why he chose to go this route in his present show. He told me " to try something different from traditional analog photography " .

More of Trevor Powers' work can be seen on his website www.trevorpowers.net

All photos courtesy of Trevor Powers.