Local Artist Dana Klein Publishes Decades Long Project
Local artist and photographer Dana Klein is ready to share the finished product of her decades long passion project. Since starting ProjectSHINE in 2012, Klein has photographed dozens of women who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and through her art, spread awareness while providing the women with a visual representation of their unique journeys. Now, Klein has published a collection of these images titled Images of Hope.
“I really just wanted the book to be more of a easy flip through. I wanted it to have lots of beautiful images, just a really nice picture book with uplifting words and messages from each survivor.” says Klein. While the book might not be word heavy, the featured images hold lots of meaning. Prior to their photoshoots, each woman chose a themed word to center the images around which allowed Klein to dig deep into their stories. “While it might just be a pretty photo to you, all the little details in the photo mean something to those women. [Something] very personal to their stories and journeys.”
When asked why she chose now to finalize the project, Klein explained the timing felt right. “Towards the end of 2022, it just felt like the right time. I usually like to listen to my inner voice and [my] gut and it just felt like, it's time to be done [and] close that door. See what the next door is.”
Although excited to pursue new opportunities, Klein finds there’s parts of the process she’ll miss, specifically the connections she made with the women. “There's a lot of trust that the women give to me. Bearing their inner most stories, [their] thoughts and feelings about their bodies and themselves and how they feel. That's really powerful when I'm in the room with them. It's just a really beautiful connection that I'm gonna miss for sure.”
Klein is hopeful her book will land in the hands of survivors and caregivers, but also with anyone seeking inspiration. After flipping through the pages, readers can reflect on their own journeys and think “These women have done it and they're strong [so] I can do it too.” If other creatives happen upon the collection, Klein hopes it sparks a sense of self reflection. A moment for artists to think about their approach to their work and maybe consider taking a more personal and intimate route to their craft.
Navigating the Park City art community has proved rewarding for Klein — finding that folks in town want art that is custom, meaningful and personal to their families. “I've had some of my best clients here in Park City because they really value artwork [that’s] different. My work is very different than other photographers so I really appreciate the people here who have celebrated that.”
You can purchase a copy of Images of Hope on Amazon, through Klein’s website, or head to Park City Gardens on Friday, July 1st at 10am or Dolly’s Bookstore on July 15th at 1pm for an intimate book signing with Klein.