Elizabeth Opalenik

PHOTOSNACK #583

Every Sunday, I contact photographers previously featured on PHOTOSNACK and ask them to send me their spontaneous thoughts, observations, reflections, or advice.

Today, I am sharing the message I received from Elizabeth Opalenik.

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Elizabeth Opalenik

I am preparing for a month in my darkroom, but for me, that means clearing my headspace and cleaning my workspace first so I can focus on creativity and working with new papers and other ideas.

Unlike Shakespeare, in Mordançage, "To veil or not to veil: that is the question." And, will new papers support the veils of emulsion?

In any process, I am a firm believer that less is more, and if what you are doing does not add to your image, don't do it. In Mordançage and many alternative processes in photography, it is the accidents that send you into a new direction, and as an artist, you need to be awake for those moments.

I suspect the first time I saw the veils of emulsion floating, I was captivated. It was about print #5 in a workshop with Jean-Pierre Sudre in Provence 35 years ago. Since I often draped my figure models in veils of real fabric, it was a natural curiosity for me to explore with mordançage, though no one had done that before. Don't we all love a challenge? Challenges can be painful until perfected, but what a gift when you work it out. That is the challenge...to stick with something, don't get too distracted, be willing to explore mistakes, make more mistakes, and ask questions...of yourself and others.

With many traditional photographic resources and materials changing these days, we are continually confronted with having to adapt. Again, a challenge, but that is what creativity is about. Embrace it and enjoy the possibilities. You may be surprised by a new discovery in your work. Don't forget to break a few rules along the way.

The attached image of Pas de Deux shows the photograph Mordançaged saving the veils of emulsion. With veils, I am able to create energy outside the frame, perhaps extending the head or hand slightly, or "dressing" the models in a way that flows elegantly. Obstacle or opportunity? Like life, so much depends on your perspective.

Elizabeth Opalenik was featured in PHOTOSNACK #550.

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Sunday Editions connect you with photographers whose work you previously explored through PHOTOSNACK.

I want to reveal some authentic parts of the people behind the cameras. I don't ask them any specific questions. I ask them to share whatever comes to mind when they think about YOU, the newsletter readers. It makes their responses genuine and personal.

Until next time,
Tomasz