I've been spending a pretty large amount of my photographic time and energy in the desert for many years. Most of it has been in the high deserts of Eastern Oregon, but towards the end of 2021, I took my first trip with a camera to Death Valley National Park in California.
To say I was blown-away is a terrible understatement. The sheer scale of everything in this place just makes me want to stand still for awhile to attempt some comprehension.
I've spent quite a bit of time with these images, trying to make sense of how they fit into my idea- my mental picture of what a desert is. From wind scoured tiles between dunes, to sweeping lines leading off into the sunset from nearly 600 feet above the valley floor, it feels alien and familiar all at once.
Perhaps more than anything else, I'm realizing that desolate isn't really the right description. If anything they are broad examples of life, rebirth, reformation and resiliency.
These pieces all felt like they belonged together, so I have them curated together in my portfolio as the collection- Desert Fire. They also have a place on Foundation as Digital collectables. 2 have already been collected, and this series is open, meaning I will likely add to the group.
You can see more of my work on my webpage- danhawk.com You can see the collection on Foundation here- https://foundation.app/collection/dsrtfire