Artist Statement
In a world that often feels dominated by the new and the now, I find myself drawn to the quiet elegance of the past. My new series, Exploring Vintage Tins, is a tribute to the craftsmanship and enduring beauty of antique tins—objects that once served practical purposes but now stand as relics of a bygone era.
Using my ultra large format camera, I capture the intricate details and textures of these vintage tins, highlighting the artistry that went into their creation. Each tin tells a story, not just of the product it once held, but of the hands that crafted it, the homes it inhabited, and the memories it preserved. These are more than just objects; they are tangible connections to a time when even the simplest items were made with care and designed to last.
Through the process of creating handmade ultra large format silver gelatin prints, toned with selenium and gold, I seek to evoke a sense of nostalgia and reverence for these everyday artifacts. The selenium toning enhances the deep, rich blacks of the images, while the gold toning introduces warm, subtle hues that add depth and character, imbuing each print with a timeless quality.
Exploring Vintage Tins is more than just a collection of photographs; it is a journey into the past, a study of the resilience and beauty of objects that have withstood the test of time. Through my work, I aim to preserve these echoes of history, offering them to a modern audience as a reminder of the importance of craftsmanship, tradition, and the stories embedded in the everyday objects of our lives.
Unlock the world of Large and Ultra Large Format photography with exclusive, handcrafted contact prints renowned for their unmatched depth and authenticity. These 100% pure analog prints are created using traditional 19th-century methods, completely devoid of modern digital technology, making each a truly unique and rare piece of art. Join the club today and bring the timeless elegance of handmade contact prints into your collection.
Limited Edition
Exploring Vintage Tins is presented as a limited-edition series, with only 10 editions of each print available. Each ultra large fomrat silver gelatin contact print is meticulously crafted to highlight the unique character of the rose in different stages and forms.
The nearly square format of the 14×17 allows for intimate, centered compositions that draw the viewer into the heart of the rose, emphasizing its form and symmetry.
This limited-edition series is a journey through the delicate world of the rose, captured in its most timeless form, and presented in a way that invites contemplation and admiration for one of nature’s most exquisite creations. The dual-toning process with selenium and gold not only enhances the visual beauty of the prints but also serves as a symbolic representation of the enduring legacy of the rose, offering collectors a rare and intimate glimpse into its ephemeral elegance, preserved for eternity.
Art Collector Information
Each piece in The Rose in Silver series is hand mounted to museum-quality archival standards, ensuring its longevity and preservation for future generations. The silver gelatin prints are meticulously dual-toned with selenium and gold, enhancing their tonal depth and providing exceptional archival stability. The prints are cold mounted on 4-ply, acid and lignin-free archival board, ensuring the artwork’s archival integrity, and are complemented by a hand-cut window overmat, adding an elegant finishing touch. The finished artwork is 22″ x 25″ for the 14×17 ultra large format silver contact prints, making each piece a substantial and visually impactful addition to any serious collection.
The artwork is personally signed, titled, dated, and numbered by me, ensuring the authenticity and individuality of every print. A Certificate of Authenticity is included with each piece, providing detailed information about the edition and the artwork’s creation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Type | Silver gelatin, selenium and gold toned |
| Archival Quality | Museum-quality archival standards |
| Mounting | Cold mounted on 4-ply acid and lignin-free archival board |
| Overmat | Hand-cut window overmat |
| Finished Size (14×17 ULF) | 20″ x 24″ |
Join me behind the scenes in my studio and darkroom as I bring this series to life. You can watch the entire process unfold in a dedicated playlist on my YouTube channel—come along and enjoy the journey.
Creative Pillars
These pillars guide my creative process, reflecting my deep appreciation for the past and my desire to preserve the stories embedded within these vintage objects. They echo my belief in the importance of remembering and honoring the craftsmanship of eras long gone.
Resilience in Craftsmanship
Metaphor: Just as these tins have weathered the passage of time, I, too, seek to honor the resilience of craftsmanship that endures despite the fast-paced, throwaway culture of today. These tins symbolize the durability and enduring value of well-made objects that were built to last.
Narrative: My photographs emphasize the lasting beauty of these tins, capturing their patina, dents, and imperfections as marks of their journey through time. Through ultra large format photography, I explore how these objects—like the traditions they represent—stand strong against the forces of obsolescence and remain relevant in a world that often forgets its roots.
Nostalgia and Reflection
Metaphor: In the aged surfaces and intricate designs of these tins, I find a space for reflection—a connection to a past that feels increasingly distant in the digital age. These tins invite contemplation, offering a tangible link to memories and stories of a time when the simple things in life were cherished.
Narrative: My images share the warmth and nostalgia these vintage tins evoke, using the richness of ultra large format photography to highlight their textures and intricate details. The gold-toned prints add a layer of warmth and depth, inviting viewers to reflect on the value of the past in shaping our present and future.
Witnesses to History
Metaphor: Just as these tins have silently witnessed the changes in society over decades, I, too, observe the shifts in the world around me. These tins, with their faded labels and worn edges, serve as reminders of the continuity of history amidst change—each one a small testament to the lives and stories that have come before.
Narrative: I photograph these tins with a focus on their historical significance, capturing the essence of their time through the lens of ultra large format photography. These images not only document the physical objects but also tell the broader story of a world that values tradition and history, even as it moves forward.
The Passage of Time
Metaphor: The wear and tear on these tins tell a story of survival, much like the rings in a tree or the lines on a weathered face. As I navigate a world that often feels disconnected from its history, these tins remind me of the importance of acknowledging the passage of time and the layers of experience that shape who we are.
Narrative: My photography captures the aged beauty of these tins, focusing on the details that reveal their history—rust, scratches, and faded colors. These elements, highlighted through the precision of ultra large format photography, share my reflections on the importance of preserving the past in a world that is constantly evolving.
Connection to Tradition
Metaphor: In a world that often feels disconnected from its traditions, these tins represent a deep connection to the values of the past. They remind me of the importance of staying grounded in tradition and appreciating the artistry and care that went into creating objects meant to last.
Narrative: I create images that explore the connection between these tins and the traditions they represent. The use of ultra large format photography allows me to capture every nuance of their design, enhancing the sense of history and continuity that these objects embody. The dual-toned prints with selenium and gold further emphasize the timelessness and enduring value of these vintage pieces.
Exploring Vintage Tins is more than just a photographic series—it is a journey through the past, captured through the lens of ultra large format photography. Each photograph reflects my reverence for the craftsmanship and history of these tins, offering viewers a moment of reflection on the importance of preserving the stories and values of a time long gone.
These metaphorical pillars guide my work, ensuring that each image is not only a visual representation of these vintage tins but also an expression of my connection to the past. By capturing the enduring beauty and quiet strength of these objects, I aim to offer viewers a glimpse into a world where the past is honored and preserved, even as the present rushes forward.
Come with me behind the scenes in the field and my darkroom as I create my latest plates and handmade prints. Whether you are technical and want access to my Darkroom Diary notes and formulas or an art buyer who wants a personal connection with me, I have you covered and am excited to learn more about you.