Dawn Kowalewski is a visual artist who retreats into the intimate landscape of the natural world. She is passionate about working with feminine subjects to unveil their powerful strength and resilience.
A native Oregonian, Kowalewski has exhibited in three solo shows and numerous local and national group exhibitions, including Leica Store Bellvue (2022), Gallery 30 (2010), and Wind Horse Gallery (2012). She was featured in LFI Magazine in a macro photography article March 2024. She was also featured in Praxis Gallery publications, including a featured cover image in their street photography magazine.
Kowalewski is Vice President of Portland Photographer’s Forum and participates in the Programs Committee. She was also Board Secretary for Oregon Professional Photographers Association (OPPA) and the Social director, and earned a Fellow Associate Degree thru OPPA.
Artist Statement:
Having been near deaf for so many years, I heavily rely on vision.To say I am a visual photographer is obvious, but I use it to hear the world too. I make use of vibrant colors to invoke feeling and impact. My floral images tell stories from a female prospective. Macro photography creates a world that is often unnoticed and yet magical. It is so easy to pass by something and not see its true surface and heart. I aim to show that to the viewer in order to fascinate and provoke imagination.
My macro work requires patience, which helps to calm me. Dozens of images are focus-stacked to achieve that elusive sharpness in close-up photography. Each layer serves as a metaphor for the passage of time that overcomes obstacles experienced by myself and so many women. Healing from physical and sexual trauma, disabilities that become abilities, and strife to become equal in the world. Beautiful layers of growth rise towards strength and resilience that make me whole. I am passionate about this immersive type of work because it allows me a creative expression to enhance the mystery and beauty of its contents.