The word ‘photography’ derives from the Greek ‘to draw with light.’
I make these photograms without a camera or negative by drawing with flashlights, painting with chemicals and light masking with everyday objects.
The black and white silver gelatin printing process is fluid and visible
so I can build and modify the image throughout the exposure and development process and use timing and movement collaboratively
to make the interactive paintings.
Creating a color chromogenic photogram demands a fundamentally different approach. Since the color print is made in absolute darkness, the process begins with a decisive approach and a kind of physical centering and ‘felt’ intuition. A specific color is determined with projected light from just three dials on the color enlarger. Once exposed, I work with the color and shading by drawing and painting with a palate of flashlights-as-paintbrushes. Movement is a fundamental part of making the image; the timing is sensed and felt.
Not knowing becomes its own reward.
Each silver gelatin and chromogenic photogram is unique.
Pat Farrell
New York
BA, Boston College
MA, Villa Schifanoia
Florence, Italy
