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While studying for my undergrad in Studio Art, handmade paper was the medium I concentrated on and explored, pushing beyond its craft stereotype. The paper forms I created were reliefs and sculptures that took on organic forms and the surfaces of contrasting materials. The reliefs were made using handmade and found objects for textures to create design elements with an aesthetic composition. Experimentation characterized the evolution of the paper works. Wax, pigmented earth, teabags, cloth and plastic were used to disguise the paper qualities. I was drawn to working three dimensionally by the movement that flows through a sculpture and the use of my hands and muscles as my tools.
My arrival to New York City in 2005 marks the beginning of my exploration away from paper. Due to space limitations and studio costs, I found myself looking down different avenues in search for a new artistic direction. Photography has been an interest of mine for over a decade, even a part time job, and since my relocation it has become my main form of expression. Through photography I have stepped out of the comfort zone of paper yet I am still exploring the same three themes: composition, experimentation and the three dimensional form.
Compositions: Seldom do I photograph a scene or image that is so busy that the eye has a hard time focusing on an area or is not led through the image naturally. Almost instantly my eyes are drawn to a detailed area or areas of a complex scene that has appealing qualities. The attraction is sometime lines, a pattern, shadows, space, color palette or texture. I then take the qualities and compose the photograph in a way that highlights them to create an image that is visually stimulating. I see these details as building blocks of the environment that surrounds us. They are just as important as the structure or mood they together create. At times the details are revealing of their location and other times they are ambiguous, leaving an imaginative role for the viewer.
Experimentation: While doing some research on alternative camera options I came across the concept of “Through the Viewfinder” (TtV). I was immediately drawn to the images created by the technique: saturated colors, dirty corners and the reflective frame. As I dug deeper into the TtV world I bought a 1950’s Argus Argoflex 75 to build my own contraption. The contraption is a custom built barrel that blocks out all light while providing a house for the two cameras, the Argoflex and a macro zoom digital camera. The photographs are taken of the images that appear in the Argoflex viewfinder, taking in all the irregularities of the glass. Currently I am executing a series of photos taken in this fashion, focusing on New York’s diversity as seen in subject’s shoes while walking to work, the park, to shop, to eat or to play (see “Stride” in TtV Gallery). The series is titled New York: A Pedestrian City. I intend to continue my experiments with alternative photography, investigating a pinhole, Holga and other uncommon methods.
Three Dimensional: Photography is widely used as a way to capture a moment in time. I too use it for the same purpose but also to convey movement and life through long exposures. A body of work that I continue to develop is my light drawings. Using a handcrafted light wand, I trace the human body in a 30 second exposure, following the lines, curves and features of the skin. The appearance is similar to an x-ray but also reveals the surface of the skin. Not only is the movement of light a strong characteristic of the Light Drawings, but occasionally the subject moves to add more complexity to the final image. As with paper, the artist’s hands are much a part of the process and cannot be ignored.
Theater: As opposed to a working in a photo studio or any controlled environment, photographing live theater and musicals is unpredictable and exciting. I walk into the theater not knowing what my lighting conditions will be or where the actors will move; presenting me with a technical and timing challenge. My intentions when shooting are to capture: expressions, tension in the scene, accurate lighting design, elements of the set and unique perspectives. All combined to describe the piece or the role the actor plays. I have a long relationship with Gallery Players in Park Slope, Brooklyn and have recently worked with TACT at The Beckett Theater and Prospect St Productions at The Access Theater, both located in Manhattan, NY. My photos have appeared beside reviews in the NY Times, TimeOut NY, and various theater websites.
Equipment:
- Nikon D200
- Canon Power Shot A95
- Argus Argoflex 75
- SB800
- Lensbabies 3G
All Images © 2005-2007 Jennifer Maufrais Kelly
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