Photo Scanography Image: Mostly I am interested in seeing flowers as metaphoric expressions of humanity. My intention is to use their natural forms to create new relationships, realities, associations and hybrid surreal combinations that are engaging while they honour, yet challenge, our conventional notions of beauty.
Janet Dwyer?s formal education in photography includes a three-year Photographic Arts Diploma (1976) from Conestoga College, in Kitchener, Ontario, and a Bachelor of Applied Arts (Photography Major, 1987) from Ryerson University, in Toronto, Ontario.
Since 1978, Ms. Dwyer has taught photography workshops and instructed at colleges and universities across Canada including: Western Academy of Photography; New Brunswick College of Craft and Design; Pearson College; Kootenay School of the Arts; Alberta College of Art; Humber College; Conestoga College; and Nova Scotia College of Art & Design.
For the past two decades Janet has specialized in photographing works of art in all mediums. In addition to shooting for many renowned artists, including Robert Bateman, and numerous fine art galleries, her clients include the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and the Royal BC Museum. Her expertise in photographing works of art is widely respected, and she was the contributing author of a chapter on the subject in the artists? survival book Stayin Alive.
Over the years, Janet has combined her teaching and freelance work with shooting for stock-photo agencies, magazines, exhibition catalogues and books. Her photographs have appeared in Macleans; Canadian Geographic; Beautiful BC; Enroute; Destinations; National Geographic; Out of the Mist; and From Farm to Feast.
Janet?s personal photography is an exploration utilizing a flatbed scanner as an imaging tool rather than a conventional digital camera or film. This series uses natural forms, mostly flowers, to create new realities, relationships and surreal combinations that honour, yet challenge conventional notions of beauty.
In 2007 her scanography work won international recognition in the world?s most prestigious photography competition, the Pilsner Urquell International Photography Awards (www.photoawards.com). ?Incognito? took first place for Professional Photographers (nature category ?flowers?) and ?First Caress? was awarded an hounourable mention. This competition attracts over 20,000 submissions worldwide, so these awards represent a major artistic achievement.
