Fresno Regional Foundation is re-discovering the vibrant era of a bygone time in Fresno with the photography of Carolyn DeAnda and metal artwork of Michael T. Murphy, a Fresno art power couple to be sure.

Throughout DeAnda’s collection, “Retro Fresno Series I - Remembering an Era,” she uses an alternate media photography process to incorporate digital compositions and fine art pigment transfers onto metals, fine art, non-traditional papers, and canvas. This documents and enhances the design of Neon markers from a bygone period throughout the Fresno area, where the public has been invited to dine, dance, sleep, or fuel up. DeAnda strives to put a smile on people’s faces by making her art work original and enticing.

For nearly 30 years, Murphy has cultivated his skills by using both old world and modern methods to create unique metal sculptures. He enjoys working with steel, as it is the most recycled element on earth. He strives to create pieces that bring forward softness and beauty by working with materials and methods that are considered hard and cold. Each piece in this collection was given careful consideration in design, structure, and assembly, which is why he titled his collection, “Precision as a Medium”.

The artwork featured above is the result of the collaborative effort between DeAnda and Murphy. After DeAnda completed a pigment transfer of her Sand’s Motel photograph onto copper, Murphy cut and welded the copper into eight pieces to give a unique look to the Sand’s motel.

To learn more about Caroyln DeAnda's photography please click here.

To view more of Michael Murphy's metal designs please click here.