April Aurora - Limited Edition 1/10 Photograph

Dyanne Wilson, an Ottawa-based documentary and fine art photographer, captures the delicate interplay between nature and the constructed environments we inhabit. Her work intricately weaves the themes of memory, place and time, offering an introspective exploration into the core of human experience. Growing up in a military family, change was inevitable, with much of her childhood spent in the remote expanse of Northern Canada around the 60th parallel. The Canadian landscapes, tight-knit communities, and harsh yet beautiful winters are indelible imprints in her memories and frequently feature in her art. Preferring authenticity over arrangement, Dyanne’s photography presents a genuine narrative, a quest to find tranquility and meaning in the ever-evolving settings around her. Dyanne’s first solo exhibition, “Life in the Knife,” at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Ottawa in late 2019, marked a significant milestone in her artistic journey. With a prolific career as an editorial photographer since 2005, her distinctive sytle has graced the pages of publications such as Hello! Canada magazine, Diplomat and International Canada and Ottawa Citizen Style magazines. A graduate of the School of Photographic Arts: Ottawa, her path to photography followed a lengthy tenure as a public servant for the Federal Government of Canada. Driven by an adventurous spirit and a deep affection for winter, Dyanne has achieved remarkable pursuits outside her artistic endeavours, including obtaining her Gold Dances in figure skating, mastering downhill skiing, and earning her skydiving license. Away from the lens, she finds solace wandering through local forests accompanied by her two Golden Doodles: Marley and Hazel. When selecting subject matter, Dyanne gravitates toward the northern Canadian landscapes where snow, cold, and ice dominate the scenery. Her work draws on the intricate relationships between natural elements and structures, reflecting the cultural tales of survival and endurance. It’s a narrative where winter serves as a wellspring of inspiration, inviting viewers to contemplate the resilience embedded within these environments. Employing a medium format digital camera allows Dyanne to capture exquisite detail and richness, emphasizing her preference for the found moment over the staged one. This choice elevates her photographs, encouraging an engaging encounter with scenes authentically lived and experienced.