Redwood Magdalene 2021-2023 and Ironstone Pond
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Redwood Magdalene 2021-2023 were printed using developers made from fallen bark and branches from the subject itself. Two batches were used: the first from 2021 and the second from 2023. The difference in the colours between the two years was very surprising but also reassuring; when working together with nature one can’t expect the same results twice - nature changes.
I encountered the tree which is the subject of Redwood Magdalene working on a project based on the Thames’ tributaries. The tree stands at the source of the River Fleet. The striking texture and rich colour of its bark evoke Donatello’s Penitent Magdalene, which I saw in Florence as a child.
The grouping of prints shows the colour shifts across the two years, and other anomalies which occur when using the plant developer. This combines with imperfections in the hand coating of the emulsion to create wholly unique prints, despite the identical source material.
The Ironstone Pond can be found on West Heath; part of Hampstead Heath. The water in this area is rich in iron and a bright red rust can be seen in one part of the pond. As well as regularly visiting this significant place in person, I have also been revisiting it in the darkroom by reprinting, bleaching and processing the same three shots of it countless times, transforming the images into new and surprising forms. Similar to Redwood Magdalene, this series has been printed using low toxic plant developers made with plant material collected from the area.