Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1959, Bill Schwab’s fascination with photography began at an early age. With a Kodak Brownie and a home darkroom kit received as a gift from his father, he taught himself to process film and contact print at age twelve.
Although his style has gradually developed and progressed over the years, the common theme that threads through this ever growing body of work is that of the natural and urban landscape. Emphasizing an ethereal, atmospheric quality is imperative in reaching the more emotional as opposed to the literal and for this he chooses to make photographs during inclement weather and challenging lighting situations. The choice of what to photograph is coupled with a very subtle printing style in the yet boundless attempt to make each image reign powerful in emotion and simplicity.
"Bill Schwab knows landscapes – and indeed, it’s evident that he loves them. His methodology is both intuitive and analytical.
Through his experience of the outdoors – learning about weather conditions, light, and the natural characteristics of a geography
– he has developed a sense, not necessarily of knowing what to expect but rather of knowing about what to remain vigilant."
from the foreword by Nancy Sojka, Detroit Institute of Arts Gathering CalmPhotographs: 1994 - 2004 by Bill Schwab
Photographs are selenium/sepia toned silver gelatin prints created to an image size of 8 x 8 inches on 11 x 14 paper. Printed, signed and numbered by the photographer in editions of 25, with 4 artist proofs, each print is then mounted to 16x20" 4-ply Winchester Bright White museum board. An over-mat of the same is included, cut to float the image and reveal signature and edition number in the border around the print. The back of each mount features the photographer's stamp including edition number, print and negative date as well as another signature.
*Due to inventory being spread among several dealers, price is dependant upon number of remaining prints, not actual edition number. Please contact the gallery to determine the price of the image you are interested in.
