Denise Sturmwind

For most of my life I have been creative in one form or another.

For 13 years I immersed myself in fine art photography, during which time I used only professional slide film, a manual SLR camera, and tripod. As hard as it is to believe, I have never used a digital camera and none of my images are digitally altered. What you see when you view my images is what I shot. 

I am very connected with the natural world. I am fortunate to have grown up and lived most of my life on the west coast of Canada, which I continue to call home today. Many of my photographic images were created close to home, although I also travelled on photographic journeys throughout North America.

During the last few years of photographing, I found myself moving towards creating abstract interpretations of what I was seeing. Using advanced photographic techniques, I was able to create impressionistic images “in camera” to a certain extent, but wanted to take it further. 

I was at a crossroad -- to take the leap from shooting film to shooting digitally, or to go in a totally different direction. That's when I found myself experimenting with altered image photographic work. I began hand-altering printed photographs. From there I moved into mixed media work. I wanted to get “into the muck” and get my hands dirty.

This journey from photography to mixed media was not planned. I followed my muse, and my creative process led me down this path.

None of my mixed media work is created digitally.  The only time the images get close to a computer is when they are scanned for printing art cards or limited edition prints. 

My work has been exhibited for many years in fine art shows such as the juried Sooke Fine Art Show, the largest juried show on Vancouver Island. I also exhibit my work in other West Coast galleries and art shows, and it is held in private and corporate collections throughout North America.

Creating is my biggest passion in life. I hope you enjoy viewing my work as much as I enjoy creating it.