Photographer Robert Bergstrom shares a collection of images layered for a dreamlike effect. Visit his website to see more of his portfolio.
“Dreams of Stockholm: The schooner Af Chapman is now a hostel. The map is the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland” photography, various sizes
From Viking longships to modern steel and diesel fishing boats, sailors have braved the sea in vessels which seem fragile.
“Quiet at the Docks: Fishing boats and evening reflections, Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon” photography, various sizes
My photos look to express the beauty and vastness of the sea. Maritime images work best if there is a subject and a story. I especially love the rugged character of fishing boats.
“6 AM Club: dedicated rowers in early morning fog” photography, various sizes
There are innumerable opportunities to photograph boats and seascapes in the Pacific Northwest where I live. I enjoy walking along the waterfront at dawn and dusk when I visit the Oregon coast or the Puget Sound.
“Sunburst over Drangarnir: This seastack is one of the iconic images from the Faroe Islands, a Nordic outpost in the North Atlantic” photography, various sizes
I have also visited Scandinavia, where boats and sailing are a way of life. Several of the featured images in this collection are from Sweden and the Faroe Islands.
“Dreams of Greenland: A modern fishingboat in Klaksvik, Faroe Islands. A map of Iceland and Greenland from 1770 is layered over the sky” photography, various sizes
My website name, Northern Mists, is an homage to Norwegian polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen, whose book In Northern Mists chronicles the Norse exploration of the Atlantic and discovery of North America.
“Schooner at Sunset: Whidbey Island, Washington” photography, various sizes
Much of history is hidden in the mists and myths of time.
“Whidbey Sunrise: Sailboats at anchor, with Mt Baker and plenty of golden light” photography, various sizes
Humanity has treated the planet in the same way as we treat each other—endless wars and destruction, driven by greed which can never be satisfied. We are in need of deep healing. We are not separate from nature, but are embedded in nature. I hope to show a deeper level of meaning.
“Schooner Suva at Dawn: Whidbey Island, Washington” photography, various sizes
During the pandemic I played in Photoshop, working on abstract themes, and learned to add layers of texture, wood grain, and colors. I have layered maps over several maritime images to create a dreamy effect that also adds narrative to the image. I am trying to make images which are timeless, representing many days and outings, not just a single event.
“Dreams of the Salish Sea: Evening at the marina in Port Townsend, layered with a map of the San Juans and Vancouver Island” photography, various sizes
A sailor must always have a map in his mind of where he wants to sail and how to get there. Our minds combine many layers of impressions and feelings to make a memory.
“Evening Adventure: a paddleboarder on the bay at dusk, Port Townsend, Washington” photography, various sizes
I make my art to show people the profound beauty that can be found in nature and in themselves.
Artist Robert Bergstrom invites you to follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
Very wonderful work.
How extremely beautiful and reverent and and relevant to our present climatic predicament.