About Barbara Dombach

I am a self-taught photographic artist who has an incurable passion for using the camera for interpretation of self and world that has lasted over thirty-five years. I have not outgrown my love to play in the dirt. I love horses and owned two. Although I’m not fond of rainy days I will step in puddles to make a splash. Old trucks, motorcycles, and cars interest me and I am sentimental about tail fins. My love of history inspires me to collect antiquated items that have emotional value. I have had a darkroom since the beginning of my passion for Photography and still use it.

Born and raised on my grandparent’s and parent’s farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, hints of my life experiences are seen throughout my projects. I am driven to create images to explain myself, who I am, and, what I experience. I express visually what my imagination seems to explore in time or space or while my subconscious works overtime, while other image concepts are captive in portions of my past hidden to me until the perfect time to blossom.

As a storyteller and documentarian inspiration can materialize in the simplest of ways; after reading a statement from the words my grandmother inscribed in her diaries, a child’s drawing, and a journey to find a sense of place and spirit or remembrance of an unfinished dream. The photographic image, kindled from memory, family, identity, reflection, passages, experience, and exploration, with elements of mystery and hints of ambiguity both past and present is how I tell my stories.

Some have described my work as, “Visually engaging and complex,” Susan Spiritus, Lovingly crafted, your images have a graceful element and a moving story,” Laura Valenti Jelen, “Familiar and thought-provoking,” R. Wojtowich, “Simplistic Beauty,” S. Hershey and “Intimate Images,” C. Kerne and “Very delicate and extremely fine work,” stated by R. Lowing.

I utilize a variety of photographic processes, black and white film, Wet Plate Collodion, Lumen and Cyanotype printing. My equipment includes; large format field (8X10 and 4X5), medium format Hasselblad, found old twin lens or box, toy cameras, Minolta 35mm, and Sony digital.