The process of what I do is as much of an art form as the work itself.
The Physical.
.01
Coat with Collodion
Photographic collodion is a mixture of raw cotton (which has been treated with nitric and sulfuric acids) dissolved in ether and alcohol, with a little iodide and bromide mixed in. What exactly it's made out of doesn't really matter that much, though -- in 2020 you can buy it pre-mixed. What matters is that this solution is transparent and sticks to nearly everything. Pour the collodion onto a glass plate, then the tilt the plate until its entire surface is coated with the solution. Then pour the excess collodion back into its bottle.
.02
Dip in Silver Nitrate
Now it's time to move into the darkroom (or, if you're in the field, the dark tent). While the plate is still wet, dip it into a solution that contains silver nitrate. The silver nitrate binds with the iodide and bromide to make a silver halide coating, which is sensitive to light. Wipe the silver nitrate solution off the back of the plate with a clean cloth.
.03
Plate to Camera
While still in the darkroom, insert the plate into a light-proof holder, which is constructed to fit in your camera. Take the holder to the camera and insert. The silver nitrate solution will drip from the holder, even when it's in the camera. This is normal. There's a slide in the holder that covers the glass plate. Remove the slide. The collodion plate is now ready for exposure.
.04
Expose
While still in the darkroom, insert the plate into a light-proof holder, which is constructed to fit in your camera. Take the holder to the camera and insert. The silver nitrate solution will drip from the holder, even when it's in the camera. This is normal. There's a slide in the holder that covers the glass plate. Remove the slide. The collodion plate is now ready for exposure.
.05
Pour on Developer
Remove the glass plate from the holder. While holding the plate over a tray, pour the developer over the plate. The developer is a solution of iron sulfate and acetic acid. It turns the silver-halide grains that have been struck by light into a metallic silver. Rinse the glass plate with water to remove the developer. You can now take the plate out of the darkroom.
.06
Fix the Plate
The grains of metallic silver are still on the plate, as are the silver halide grains not struck by light. Remove the unexposed silver-halide by placing the plate in a tray of sodium thiosulfate, which acts as a fixing agent.
.07
Wash and Varnish
Wash the plate in running water to remove the fixing agent, then dry. To protect the delicate image, apply a coat of varnish to the plate. Application is conducted in much the same way that the collodion was applied to the plate. First, heat the bottle that contains the varnish over a flame. Also heat the glass plate over a flame. When both are blood warm, pour the varnish onto the emulsion side of the plate, tilt the plate until it is fully covered, then pour the excess back into the bottle. On the glass plate is a visible negative image. There is a dark coating of silver where light has struck the plate; the plate is clear where it was not exposed to light.
.08
Make a Print
Last but not least, it is time to create the final work of art. The plate placed with paper and exposed to the light.
The Intangible.
.01
Observe & Listen
Begin with witnessing and seeing the destruction of the environment. The universe around us is constantly communicating, but are we always listening? It is calling out for help. I listen to what the world is telling me. want to share these stories with others so they can see and we can work together to repair it.
.02
Set the Intention
I’m attune to these realities that many people don’t see. By documenting and story telling through my artwork I want to make it visible to the masses. Through my lens you can look to nature and see what I’m seeing.
.03
Physical Manifestation
Tokens, found objects, decayed items - these are the physical manifestations of the ills I work to shine a light on. It is dark, and we should be shocked by what we see. Collectively we need to be shocked into action.
.04
Expose
Creation of visual stories. We surround ourselves with the things we care for. With things that have meaning. This art is a reminder and intention to set a course for global change, starting at home.