ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Fine art photography and traditional darkroom printing

Having grown up in the Illawarra, NSW I have developed a strong spiritual connection to the natural world. Living in such a beautiful place has nurtured a gentle sensitivity to the world around me and a desire to share this awareness with others.

I have always been drawn to photography. There is something innately satisfying about the act of selecting an aspect of the world through the eye of the camera… composition, focus, control.

I prefer the solitary world of the darkroom. For me, the days of grain and filters and absolute patience hold the most opportunity.

My silver gelatin works are formed with a range of cameras from pinhole to medium format. Low-light is currently my favourite style of shooting but I also enjoy the simplicity of the studio.

For colour I prefer to use film in a ‘real camera’.

Photography enables me to express the value of the little things and, perhaps more importantly, the spaces in between.

My work plays on an understanding of the interconnectedness of all things and the juxtaposing moments of utter isolation.

For me, photography is about encapsulating moments of abstraction, promoting reflection or to share a different perspective with others.

Ultimately, I feel it is imperative to find time to meditate on the journey at hand, to learn from our mistakes and become better people.

Raising consciousness is the primary aim of my work.

By Jessica Millman
2007