Diane MacDonald
Photography

dianemacdonaldphotography@shaw.ca

 

 

Even before Diane moved to Japan in 1972, she embraced the challenge of photography.  Once there the bathtub became a darkroom until it was needed for bathing the new baby.  Postings to Italy, Norway, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, punctuated by yearly vacations on Pender Island followed, providing wonderful camera fodder for the next 35 years.  Once back permanently on Pender Island, Diane devoted more time to photography. She summarizes her commitment saying, “Finding a photographic expression that is both unique and universal has become my passion”.  Diane has studied under Jennifer Spelman, Eddie Soloway, Sean Kernan, Cig Harvey, Keith Carter, Arthur Meyerson, Sam Abell, Carlan Tapp and others.  Her eleven years in Japan continue to inform her aesthetic, contributing both structure and simplicity to her work.  Her subject matter is thoughtful and eclectic, with emphasis on the natural environment.  She expresses her photographic approach this way:  “I have taken photographs since I was young and have always enjoyed trying to ‘frame’ the wonder and often fleeting beauty such that it lingers beyond the moment.  Seeing the world anew and finding ways to honour our daily environment is important as we, as photographers, give witness to why we need to work hard to reverse environmental degradation and encourage each of us to ‘take a second look’".

 

Photographic Credits and Exhibitions

 

 

Exhibitions

 

Art off the Fence, Pender Island
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 

Sooke Fine Arts Show    
2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2013, 2012, 2011

Sidney Fine Arts Show    
2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011

Pender Island Fall Crawl
2023, 2022, 2020

Sea Star Vineyard, Pender Island
September 2016, August 2015

"Focus on Five" Photography Collective
Talisman Books and Gallery, Pender Island  
2012, 2011, 2010

Expression and Exposure 
Hunter Bisset Gallery, Vancouver
November 2011

Talisman Books and Gallery
Pender Island
December 2013
December 2009

Publications

Echoes and Edges
Published June 2016

Pender Island and the Salish Sea
Published June 2014

Experience the Gulf Islands
contributing photographer for Pender Island

A Southern Gulf Islands Economic Development Commission Publication
Published June 2014

Pender Island through the Eyes of Focus on Five
Featuring photographs taken by five Pender Island photographers
Published July 2012

Molten Magic
Featuring the work of Pender Island glass artist Wendy Hacking
Published April 2012

Awards

 

Recipient of the 2017 Photography Scholarship, Pacific Northwest School of Art

Honourable Mention
Sidney Fine Art Show, October 2016
Sidney Fine Art Show, October 2013
Sidney Fine Art Show, October 2012

Clipper Vacations Photo Contest 
Winner, best Victoria photo, August 2013

Guest Artist

 

Art off the Fence Exhibition
July 2014

Art off the Fence Exhibition
Whalepointe Studiio, South Pender Island
July 2010

Education

 

Pacific Northwest Art School
with Sam Abell, 2019
with Arthur Meyerson, 2017 
with Keith Carter, 2016
with Sean Kernan, 2014

Santa Fe Photographic Workshops

with Carlan Tapp 2024
with Cig Harvey, 2015
with Eddie Solway, 2012
with Jennifer Spelman, 2011

Nobechi Creative

with Sam Abell 2020

Luz Gallery Workshops
with Quinton Gordon, 2013