#slowlight

In my past experiences, I have mainly used light in the moving image. For this course, the task assigned involved focusing on the manipulation of a single source of tungsten light for the still image. Through multiple photographic sessions, the intent was to investigate the gap between ‘what is seen and what is actually shown’. I enjoyed this first assessment very much as I was able to experiment with various materials and create my first photographically and artistic piece. After researching through the artist list for inspiration, and based on the materials that could be gathered, I experimented with Jessica Eaton’s and Richard Caldicott’s works in mind - simple abstract shapes with poppy colours. I mainly used a silver metallic piece from which coloured boards (attached to an upstanding white/black wall) are bounced off. At first, I had issues with the material having distinct folds that compromised the artistic quality of the work. After more experimentation and the work began to transform. From here, it became more clear what my concept was. I wanted to paint with light and generate texture; through the editing of light and colour, dependent on the intricacy of the folds of the surface from which the colours were bounced off; the addition of varying materials to add dimension to the work and then finally, whether the tungsten light was reflected or absorbed using a white/black backdrop. All of these allowed me to create a variety of textures I was very pleased with. During presentation, I received some very helpful insight and suggestions regarding the work. I presented 6 works and it was recommended that carefully selecting less will heighten the quality of the work as a whole. Using a square layout was commended for and I think I will continue with this and perhaps experiment with scale as I saw some very beautiful works that utilised this.