Conanicut
1998 – 2005

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Project Concept

These images, taken with both large and medium format cameras, explore the southern tip of Conanicut Island, commonly called Jamestown. They were exhibited as Weeds (1998 – 2002), Rocks (2000 –2002), Cedars and Sea & Sky (1998 – 2004). The focus is on the content of the landscape rather than on the landscape itself. 

Included below are summaries of the individual exhibitions with relevant information and installation images.

Weeds, 1998 – 2000

Growing along the roadsides and pathways leading down to the ocean are a great variety of weeds and wildflowers. Multiflora Rose, Virginia Creeper, Autumn Olive and many others exist in a quiet, intimate, jewel-like world of their own. They provide contrast and much-needed relief from the vast emptiness of the sea, the sky, and the rocky coastline. They are small and delicate and when closely observed, can be more seductive than the greater world around them. Photographed with an 8x10 view camera a series of 100 30 x 36-inch prints were made, a medium format camera was used to produce a series of 200 smaller prints.

Rocks, 2000 – 2002

Much interesting geology is visible along the shoreline of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay. Glacial abrasion, tectonic activity, and wave erosion have exposed a variety of rock types and formations. Within a radius of a mile or so on southern Connecticut Island (Jamestown) are several prime examples. Lying primarily in three small state parks (Fort Wetherill, Fort Getty, and Beavertail Point) are contrasting formations of quartz streaked granite, inclined sedimentary layers, and wildly contorted igneous rock.

The Photographs depict these formations in whole and in detail. Images of large formations were taken with an 8x10 camera and were printed as large diptychs (60 x 96 inches). Smaller prints were also made with a medium format camera. In addition, a series of surface details were photographed with an 8x10 camera and printed at a 1:1 scale both as single images and as multi-panel polyptychs.

Cedars, 1998 – 2004

Cedars examines the common American Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Originally a southern species the tree has moved north and is seen throughout the eastern United States. It flourishes in overgrown fields and along interstate highways, both alone and in groups. The tree seems to have an anthropomorphic quality. These photographs taken with a medium format camera are intended as ‘portraits’ and ‘group portraits.’

Sea & Sky, 1998 – 2004

Sea & Sky continues the exploration of the seascapes in Ocean Point. Most of the images were taken on Conanicuit Island. The resulting series of small prints focus on the atmospheric effects of sun, clouds, fog, and surf.

History

1998
Purchased Beavertail farmhouse in Jamestown, RI. 
Continued photographing seascapes.

2000
Photographed roadside weeds with 6x7 cm and 8x10 view camera.
Printed images with Jaques Charlas, (Black and White on White), made handmade books, two volumes with 100 images each.

2002
Exhibited Weeds at Janet Borden Gallery with 100 – 23 x 29 inch gelatin silver prints and with catalogue.
Exhibited Weeds at The Confederation Centre for the Arts, Prince Edward Island, Canada as part of “Badlands: Ray Mortenson, Jaclyn Shoub and Susan Dobson.” Curated by Shauna McCabe.

2003
Photographed Rocks with 6x7 cm and 8x10 view camera.
Made hand made books, 3 volumes with 8x10 contact prints. Printed large diptychs (printed by Mauro Restiffe at Griffin Editions).

2004
Exhibited Rocks at Janet Borden Gallery with catalogue
Organized Cedars and Sea & Sky images into groups, assembled handmade books and an edition of small platinum contact prints.

2005
Exhibited Cedars along with Sea & Sky at Janet Borden Gallery with catalogue.

Technical

Cameras
6x7 cm Mamiya 7 and 8x10 Phillips field camera

Lenses
80mm Mamiya, 10¾, and 12-inch Goerz Dagor

Films
Kodak Tri-X and Illford HP5 at ASA 100

Developers
D 23, HC 110 and PMK Pyro

Prints
Weeds:
Silver gelatin: Kodak Polyfiber and Ilford Warmtone
Xerox: archival uncoated paper

Rocks:
Silver gelatin: Ilford Warmtone

Cedars:
Silver gelatin: Ilford Warmtone
Platinum palladium: 2¼x3¾ in. contact prints

Sea & Sky:
Silver gelatin: Ilford Warmtone (matt and glossy)

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