39 - Janel Swangstu
707 P Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Telephone: 360.385.9562
Photogram/photo
“Territorial Behavior”
31” h x 26” w
Photogram
Demonstration:
I will be speaking about the process of making a Photogram: a shadowlike photograph made by placing objects between light-sensitive paper and a light source. There will be an area set up showing most of the equipment used and the final results. I will speak about how these pieces use no camera and have no film record in which to be reproduced and are done entirely by feel as the color darkroom is pitch black by necessity. Visitors will see the process, the editing done outside the darkroom and the final pieces.
Directions to studio:
707 P Street is located between Cherry Street and Fir Street in Port Townsend.
From Washington Street turn onto Walker Street – Walker turns into Cherry Street. Continue straight thru the 4-way intersection, crossing F Street. At the Y in the road, which is Cherry Street to the right and Redwood Street to the left, take the right up the hill and quickly thereafter turn right onto P Street.
From F Street heading west turn right onto Fir Street. Continue straight, turn left at P Street.
Artist statement:
Photogram: a shadowlike photograph made by placing objects between light-sensitive paper and a light source. I use the process of making color photograms to investigate how the passing of a few seconds changes image and meaning. Unlike traditional photography, these pieces use no camera and have no film record in which to be reproduced. The materials used are elusive by nature: liquid, light, and time. Every single image is sequential within a series and unique. Temporality figures throughout my work, acting to punctuate the moment and emphasize the presence of the individual. In my desire to solidify the ephemeral I use the process to metaphorically relate the nature of humanity’s impulse towards authority and permanence.