Project Information

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 with 100 – 23x29 inch gelatin silver prints at Janet Borden Gallery
with catalogue
        Exhibition traveled to 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, printed 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
Film            –   Kodak Tri-X at ASA 100
Developer   –   D 23, HC 110 and PMK Pyro
Prints          –   Silver gelatin: Ilford and Ilford Warmtone,
                        4½ x 5¾ in. to 60 x 96 in.
                       Platinum palladium: 2¼x3¾ in. contact prints (Cedars)

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