NORTH READING — July’s artist of the month at Flint Memorial Library is North Reading-based local artist Stephan Goldstein.
“These images are selected from work I’ve created over the last two and a half decades. It is purely personal — I photograph subjects that strike me as beautiful, peaceful, or visually interesting — and reflects a theme that runs through much of my photography, namely a deep love of the natural word,” Goldstein said in his artist’s statement. “My hope is that you’ll experience similar feelings as you view my work.”
Goldstein has been shooting with film since the 80s, though his interest in photography began earlier during high school. He’s impressively self-taught, developing and improving his skills over time through reading and constant experimentation.
“I prefer and continue to use film cameras, developing my film and printing my images in a wet darkroom. The methodical and contemplative nature of traditional photographic craft satisfies me almost as much as do the creative aspects of choosing what to photograph, where to stand, and when to release the shutter.”
He primarily uses medium format 120 roll black and white film. This curated collection of Goldstein’s analog photography was developed entirely in his own home darkroom. He enjoys the tactical process of film developing immensely. In his words, “working in the darkroom is the antidote to work.”
A longtime resident of the area, Goldstein’s high contrast, black and white photographs range in locations all over the world. From the East and West Coasts of the United States, to China and Iceland, each frame captures a moment suspended in time within the landscape.
These photos will be on display throughout the first floor of the library at 147 Park St. through the month of July. Additional information about his work can be found at the circulation desk upon request.
