Drora Bashan: Silver Winner

Drora Bashan Photographer

Still Life Awards

Drora Bashan won Silver in the Single Image category with this intriguing image titled "Pear in Water", taken from the series "Water Colours of Cambodia" (2006).

"I took this image in 2006, while I was in a trip in Cambodia," she said. "The image is from a series I photographed there called "Water Colours of Cambodia". I was amazed to see that people actually live on water in Cambodia.  Water scenes were colourful and picturesque and there were great opportunities to photograph the water with the reflections of their surroundings. So I did what I often do: photographed the reflections of reality. In this image, there is the real pear floating in the water, and its colourful background is a reflection of a small boat. It was one of those magical moments, when different worlds unite to create a new, temporary image."

After 30 years in the jewellery business, Drora started studying photography and participating in Master class workshops. She participated in seven group shows in Israel between 2009-2010 and has spent the past two years sending her images abroad, looking for recognition of my work.

"From my first photography class I was hypnotised and enchanted by reflections, mostly water reflections, particularly puddles," she said. "I love those mystical, temporary moments, when different worlds are being united into a new spectacular image. Movements and scattering (of light, wind and rain) are very welcome, as they add more complexity to the created sight.  Passing "guests" challenge me to determine the frame of the revealed art piece, before its disappearing. My other passion is for details. I love focusing on parts of the object, until it becomes unrecognisable, discovering new out-of-context scenes which are then being exposed, enjoying the different perspectives. Observers of my work are invited to share the magical experience with me, to be revealed to the richness of observing possibilities, beyond the obvious, then, take their own associative journey, wherever the fantasy takes them."

Drora works with digital compact cameras, lately with a G11. She describes her work is spontaneous, unstaged and with no Photoshop manipulations. "I photograph what captures my eye and heart," she said. "I am just a photography lover and enthusiast! I hold my camera ready wherever I go in my daily life."

Drora's LPA profile page