Collections within Connections
life-sized portrait created by exposing a negative onto leaves using liquid light emulsion, reflecting the subject's connection with nature.
RESEARCH
The foundation of Collections within Connections lies in understanding the relationship between humans and nature. This study led to the use of advanced darkroom techniques, merging natural elements with photographic processes to visually express this connection. The research informed the selection of materials and methods that allow for an organic, tactile representation of the subject.
DESIGN
The process involved applying liquid light, a liquid emulsion, onto natural surfaces such as leaves. By exposing a large negative onto these leaves using a photo enlarger, the portrait began to take shape. The method required precise alignment of the leaves to form a seamless, life-sized image. This approach integrated traditional darkroom skills with innovative materials, resulting in a unique visual outcome.
Storytelling
The portrait constructed from leaves symbolically represents the subject’s connection to nature. Each leaf carries a fragment of the whole image, reflecting the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world. This method brings the story of the subject to life through the careful layering of natural materials with photographic techniques.
Iteration
Experimentation was crucial to refining the liquid light process. Each round of trials involved testing the emulsion on different surfaces and fine-tuning exposure techniques. Ensuring the negative fit perfectly across the leaves required precise adjustments, with feedback helping to refine the final approach.
Final product
The completed work is a life-sized portrait made from pieced-together negatives exposed onto multiple leaves. The result is a textured, organic portrait that visually captures the subject’s relationship with nature. This project demonstrates the potential of combining advanced darkroom techniques with natural elements to create a visually cohesive and technically challenging outcome.
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