Sandra C. Davis
"Modernist Sensibility-Old-World Technique"

Using turn-of-the-century film developing processes, Sandra Davis’ photographs cast her subject matter in an ethereal glow that find poignant beauty in the decay of abandoned places.

Sandra Davis’ work has won numerous awards, including the Patron’s Award in 2001 at the Phillips Mill 8th Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition and the Best of Show Award at the same show in 2000. Her photographs have been featured numerous other juried exhibits in California and New Mexico in addition to exhibits at The Philadelphia Sketch Club, the Print Center, and the University of the Arts. 

After receiving a BFA in Graphic Arts from Moore College of Art and Design in 1978, Sandra Davis went on to study gum bichromate and other non-silver printing processes at University of the Arts (where she now teaches in addition to pursuing a graduate degree in photography.)

Sandra often uses infrared film to interesting effect. “Infrared film operates on the length of the lights’ rays the human eye can’t see. The result is never really what you think you’re looking at. For example, in a dark space – like the corner of a room – there would be details that I couldn’t see that would show up. I’ll discover all these different textures. The film will have illuminated them with an inner glow that I couldn’t see.” Old drive-ins, mom and pop motels, cabin courts and abandoned roadside amusements absorbed her attention for the next 10 years. During this time she honed her skills and experimented with adding subtle color to the images.

“What draws me to capture more images of one place over another is the atmosphere and the spiritual feeling that seem to be present at the very time and place that I’m there,” she says.

"View of St. Germain de Livet."



"Chinon Castle, France."



"Chateau Blerancourt Gardens."



"Pont Romain, Peyrerusse Le Mort."



"Abbey Boschaud Interior #1."



"Remains of Jumieges."



"Charge to the Seine."



"Lounging at Dusk, Versailles. "

"Pan in Paris"

"Villa Adriana Reflections"

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