I stumbled across Jacqueline Roberts, a Spanish-born artist, in an article in Featureshoot. Unlike modern photographers who use digital cameras or film, Roberts uses a process invented in 1851 to create these enchanting images. This process is called wet plate collodion. It is very tedious, as the photographers must expose the plate, develop, and fix it all while the plate is still wet. Despite how delicate the process is, each plate is an original and cannot be replicated the same exact way.
The series above is called 'Nebula', meaning 'Mist' in Latin. "The title reflects on the turmoil of growing up with all its relational, psychological and emotional changes," says Roberts. She elaborates that beyond the aesthetics of the work is an importance of process and time with the work. She explains that,"In today's world we are swamped with images. If we look back, photographs used to be some of our most prized possessions, the kind of treasures that we would save from a house on fire. We are losing the emotional connection with photographs. Most of the images that we take have become meaningless and disposable. I want the image to be precious again." I definitely think that she does just that. If I were holding any type of art made of metal or glass I would handle it delicately.
Antiquated photo processes are probably my favorite thing. Every single attempt is completely unique, it's an object rather than an image. There's so much character and, for me, it gives the subject more depth.
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