This gallery contains 2 experimental projects with elements of nature that intermingle: rock, coral, grass, seaweed, leaves, shells, constellations, sky and water. In the first section, collage (including cyanotype, drawing and painting) is the primary medium, with the composition divided into two parts- sky (constellations/planets) and ocean (seaweed/algae).
In the second section, (focusing on grass, rock, and coral), there is a layering of different photographic processes- first liquid emulsion and then a photograph taken with a Hasselblad and color negative film. Here, the idea of collage is implied rather than literal. 2006-2008
These photographs evolved through layering various media and objects. I began by brushing black and white photographic emulsion on watercolor paper. On this sensitized paper I enlarged negatives shot in the Guanica nature preserve in Puerto Rico. These were printed lightly in the darkroom, in order to reveal the brushstrokes or pouring of the emulsion. I painted over these images in a calligraphic style that mimics the textures and lines in the photographs. Finally, objects (stones, sticks and coral) were placed on top and all were re-photographed with color negative film. In some cases the coral contains textures similar to the brushstrokes, and the rocks contain lines similar to those in the painting and underlying photograph. As I worked, the relationship between these elements appeared to me, little by little.