Shutter Sisters

photo as art medium

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Lately I have been intrigued by the idea of using photographs as an art medium. Sometimes I get the undeniable itch to create something with my hands, something tangible and 3 dimentional. That spark is often ignited by a simple material or found item that begs to be used. But the truth is that I am most comfortable with photography these days. I’ve been out of practice in every other art medium for so long, and photography is currently my biggest inspiration. So rather than deny that fact, I recently asked myself: “how can I integrate photography into a painting or drawing?”

The result was messy and experimental. The end product was an accident and nothing like I had imagined. But I loved the process and surprisingly the piece itself. It all started with a thick piece of chipboard that came off the back of a little notebook. I had been eyeing it for days, wondering how I could use it. So I painted it while I thought about my options. Then I found a photograph from my archives of a grassy field under a blue sky filled with white puffy clouds. After digging through my bins of paper, I found a piece of semi transparent vellum and printed the photo on the paper. Next, on a seperated piece of vellum, I sketched a rickety barn (modeled after another of my photos) and layered it underneath the photo. Last I glued the two pieces onto the board and covered it with Mod Podge. I didn’t realize how the glue would warp the paper, but I kept going. The photo above doesn’t show how wrinkled and worn the paper looks. Somehow it just seems to fit with the subject matter and comliments the foggy imagery. If nothing else, the process was refreshing and allowed me to think about my photos in a different way.

I would encourage all of you to think of ways to experiment with your photographs as an art medium. Print them on unusual materials, cut them up, rip them and glue them. Hold them in your hands and let them speak to you. I think you will agree that the experience will awaken a part of you that may have been hiding.

Comments

  1. coming from an art background and considering myself an artist long before a photographer, I love this post Paige. these kinds of artistic manipulations were exactly how I *found* photography. thanks for reminding me to get back to my roots and play with my images like this…I am inspired!

  2. So inspiring. Like Tracey – this is reminding me to return to my beginnings. Pencil and paper and paint…and have a little fun in the process!!! Thank-you!!!

  4. What a great idea! I love the combination of photo and collage. As wonderful as photographs are, sometimes there are other ways to express the idea inside.

  6. That’s beautiful, Paige! What a great idea. I’ve never been good at drawing or painting, so I’ve always stuck to my camera. This gets me thinkin’, though. Thanks!

  7. A little while ago I experimented by using a photo image and transferring it to material . . . . I was thinking of making some cushion covers for my brother and sister with snapshots of us on but I think I need to experiment a little more before I’m happy with them. It’s fun to try something new.

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