Sam Dobrow Releases Captivating New Zine “29 Days in July” Documenting His First Artist Residency in Provence, France

A First Artist Residency

Artist and photographer Sam Dobrow has just released a new zine titled “29 Days in July,” a compelling visual and narrative diary chronicling his inaugural artist residency at La Maison-de-Beaumont in the picturesque region of Provence, France. This unique publication not only gives readers an intimate glimpse into life as an artist in a self-directed residency but also offers a fresh artistic perspective inspired by one of Dobrow’s greatest influences—Vincent van Gogh.

What’s in the Zine?

The inspiration behind “29 Days in July” stems from Dobrow’s admiration for impressionist artists, especially Van Gogh, whose work famously blossomed amid the landscapes of southern France. When Dobrow was awarded the residency in Provence, he saw a chance to do something beyond a traditional fine art book of prints. Instead, he wanted to share an accessible and honest story that other artists could relate to, showing what such an experience entails while also showcasing some of the best photographic moments he captured on the journey.

More Than A Diary

The structure of the zine reads like a polished diary, with dedicated entries for each day of the residency throughout July. The narrative combines personal reflections and behind-the-scenes observations alongside a curated selection of fine art photographs. Notably, many images were created using a full-spectrum camera paired with an Iridium filter, blending visible light with infrared to produce surreal, otherworldly visuals. This technique imbues the zine with a distinctive artistic and gritty atmosphere that complements the candid storytelling.

One of the central themes explored in “29 Days in July” is the day-to-day life of an artist surrounded by a community of creatives in a loosely organized, self-driven environment. Readers get to experience the ebb and flow of solitary work, social interactions, and the freedom—and challenges—that come with unstructured time in an inspiring locale.

A Gritty Style, Not Ghetto

Dry humor threads through the writing and imagery, adding warmth and relatability. Dobrow employs self-deprecating humor to connect with readers, such as a humorous episode involving him struggling to navigate a perplexing public restroom in Aix-en-Provence, which culminated in some embarrassing door mishaps. The tone, however, is set right from the cover, which features a photo from Saint-Paul de Mausole asylum—a nod to Van Gogh’s stay there and the idea of linking that historic experience as the very first artist residency. This connection suggests a lineage of creative incubation that, while serious, is also touched with irony through references to “scary nuns, experimental psychoactive drugs, and endless ice baths.”

Visually, the zine is thoughtfully designed. Each daily spread uses a combination of fonts that complement the French setting: the Paris Metropolitan font for the day’s title, Parisienne script for subtitles, and a clean Roboto font for the main text. Brief text callouts, set in a modern Futurespore font, allow quick summaries for readers who may be scanning. The photos are framed with a vintage postage stamp border, adding a nostalgic yet gritty feel to the layout. The fonts and design elements together create a look that is edgy without veering into graffiti or “ghetto” styles, perfectly aligning with Dobrow’s artistic vision.

Choosing the zine format allowed Dobrow to blend informal diary elements with polished fine art photography in a compact, magazine-style publication. This format also keeps the production cost accessible, priced at $25, which is significantly more affordable compared to a traditional fine art book that could easily exceed $100 when printed with premium materials. The print-on-demand approach ensures high-quality color printing while keeping the zine approachable for a broader audience.

Who is the Intended Audience?

Readers who pick up “29 Days in July” will gain a deeper understanding of what an unstructured residency feels like, especially at La Maison-de-Beaumont, alongside vivid impressions of the Luberon villages that surround it. The zine is especially valuable for future residency attendees, artists considering similar programs, independent travelers interested in Provence, and photography enthusiasts drawn to infrared imagery.

Beyond just the stories and images, this publication offers an intimate connection between Dobrow and his audience. By sharing not only his art but also the personal moments behind it, he fosters a closer bond with collectors and followers alike.

For those curious to sample the work before committing, a 15-page preview is available on the Blurb purchase page, featuring an introduction and entries from the first five days of the residency.

Although the physical zine reflects the tactile joy of traditional book reading, with its perfect bound soft cover and tactile pages, Dobrow acknowledges the rise of electronic formats but emphasizes that nothing quite matches the experience of flipping through printed pages.

What’s Next for Sam?

Looking ahead, Dobrow is already conceptualizing his next project inspired by a recent trip to Namibia, promising more exciting work in the future.

To learn more about Sam Dobrow’s photography and projects, visit his website at https://samdobrowphotography.com.

If you appreciate authentic artistic journeys and unique visual storytelling, “29 Days in July” is a must-have collectible. Sam encourages readers to share the zine with fellow creatives and artists thinking about pursuing residencies themselves, extending the inspiration and conversation about the artistic process far beyond his personal experience. Even better, you can send a copy directly from the Blurb bookstore as a gift to your artist friends.