In the wake of my daughter Abby’s tragic passing, I embarked on a profoundly personal photographic project. This endeavor, deeply inspired by the emotive and ethereal style of 19th-century Pictorialism, has become an integral part of my journey through grief.
You can read my artist statement to help you understand why I am using Pictorialism and Impressionism to help support the narrative of my work.
Embracing Pictorialism to Express My Narrative
I chose Pictorialism for its ability to imbue photographs with an artistic, painterly quality. My goal is to capture more than mere images; I strive to encapsulate the essence of my emotions, the blur of memories, and the pathway of healing. The soft focus and dreamlike quality of this style mirror how memories and emotions intertwine in my mind, creating a poignant visual metaphor for my experience.
The Symbolism of Trees in My Work
In my project, trees have emerged as powerful symbols. They represent my journey through grief and the search for solace. To me, these trees are silent witnesses to my emotional state, embodying my deep sorrow and profound solitude. Through large format landscape photography, I transform these trees into expressive conduits, their towering presence offering a comforting respite amidst the overwhelming waves of my sorrow.
Utilizing Light and Shadow as My Palette
Like the Impressionists, who focused on the transient effects of light and color, I use the interplay of natural light and shadow as metaphorical brushstrokes. This balance crafts the emotional resonance at the heart of each image, articulating my journey of grief and healing through a unique visual language.
My Commitment to Analog Techniques
My dedication to an entirely analog workflow, especially the collodion and calotype paper negatives processes, is a choice steeped in symbolism. These methods allow me to create a visceral connection with every aspect of the creative process, bridging the gap between my inner turmoil and its external expression. The handcrafted Kallitype prints, produced from these collodion and calotype negatives, are the pinnacle of my artistic journey, each print a tangible expression of my emotions and experiences.
The Influence of Impressionism in My Artistic Vision
While my work is deeply rooted in Pictorialism, it also resonates with the essence of Impressionism. The Impressionists sought to capture fleeting moments of life with an emphasis on light, atmosphere, and subjective perception. Similarly, my photographs reflect a deeply personal view of my surroundings, infused with emotional significance and a sense of transience. My work transcends traditional photographic representation, offering instead a glimpse into my soul and my journey through the profound grief of losing a child.
I created this calotype paper negative yesterday and plan to make a kallitype print of it in the next day or so. Even without seeing the print, it should be evident that I didn’t want it to appear modern or like other similar prints.
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Conclusion
My photographic project is more than just a tribute to Abby; it is an artistic journey interwoven with my path through grief. By adopting Pictorialist techniques and embracing the spirit of Impressionism, I am creating a body of work that is not only visually compelling but also rich in emotional depth and personal significance. Through my lens, I invite viewers to witness my journey of pain, love, and eventual healing, expressed in the timeless language of light, shadow, and the enduring beauty of nature.
You’re doing a fantastic job here. You should be very proud!
Thank you John. Your support and friendship is very important to me. Thank you.