Artist Statement
I received my first 35mm camera in 1975 at the age of 13 and quickly realized the power and privilege one has when viewing the world through a lens. Fifty years later, I find that I am still captivated by the complex and voyeuristic nature of photography. My approach to photography is rooted in the ability to not only capture but also manipulate images. I am drawn to scenes of people on the street responding to my presence, to documenting unique environments, and to employing darkroom techniques that challenge how we perceive the natural world. It is the merging of a deep curiosity and a drive for creative image-making that defines the foundation of my artistic practice.
I draw inspiration from photographers who have found the extraordinary within the ordinary, such as Lee Friedlander, Minor White, and Jerry Uelsmann, to name a few. In addition, the work of abstract expressionist painters has had a significant impact on me, particularly their dedication to empirical observation and pure, unfiltered experiences. These influences have shaped my perspective and continue to inform my creative process.
I am excited to have been awarded the Monson Arts/Abbott Watts Photography Residency for the Spring 2026 session. During my residency I continued working on my "Altered Perceptions” project. I immerse myself in the natural world, seeking environments that offer profound and elemental experiences. Using medium and large format cameras, I capture scenes and alter them in the darkroom with masking films and creative printing techniques. The final black and white gelatin silver prints present the viewer with images that are anchored in the natural world yet challenge conventional expectations.
My new digital work, "Them'" uses bold compositions and dramatic color to address the political and psychological implications of migration and identity. I arrange miniature figures and props on a tabletop stage to create photographs that are intended to have a powerful emotional impact. Through my work, I invite an inner dialogue about self-identity and tribalism, mobility and containment, and empathy and justice.
I rarely stop working on my portfolios. The curiosity that originally inspired me to pick up a camera remains ever-present. Ideas I have explored in the past continue to be relevant, and I am always searching for new ways to see and interpret the world around me.
Artist Bio
Dan Florin is a photographer residing in Peekskill, NY. With a lifelong commitment to the art of photography, Dan has cultivated a unique creative vision over nearly five decades.
Dan earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from SUNY New Paltz, and later pursued a Master of Science in Education, specializing in Reading, from Lehman College in the Bronx. Dan spent eight years working in New York City as a reproduction photographic printer, mastering technical skills and deepening his understanding of photographic processes.
After his work as a printer, Dan embarked on a 31-year career as a teacher in Yonkers. During this time, he also served as vice president of the teachers’ union, contributing to the educational community in multiple capacities. His commitment to artistic growth continued as he enrolled in classes at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) and the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York, further enriching his connection to the arts.
Throughout his career, Dan has blended both digital and analog methods in his photography. He frequently selects digital photography for its vivid color capabilities and the immediacy it offers, making these qualities central to his creative approach. Simultaneously, he employs traditional darkroom techniques for projects that benefit from the distinct qualities of analog technology, using these methods to enhance the conceptual depth of his work.
Dan often works on multiple photographic projects at once, with timelines that may span from weeks to years. His dedication to the craft is evident in his ongoing artistic output and active involvement in exhibition opportunities. Dan regularly exhibits his photographs, and his prints have been acquired by private collectors who appreciate his artistic vision.
Dan concluded a two-year term as a board member of the Peekskill Arts Alliance in January 2026. In this role, he supported and promoted Hudson Valley regional artists by organizing and curating member exhibitions. He is currently a member of the BAU Gallery in Beacon, NY. As a member of BAU, Dan is enriching his involvement in the arts community, advancing the principles of the BAU gallery, and partnering in the installation and promotion of art exhibitions.
Recent Media / Promotional Media