Lightrunner 185 Exhibition, Shanghai China.

In celebration of the 185th anniversary of the birth of Photography, the Shanghai Camera and Photography Museum is currently showing the ‘Lightrunner 185’ exhibition. I am honoured to have had one of my works selected in the top 50 entries and included in this exhibition.

‘Lightrunner 185’ is a showcase of traditional and handmade photographic methods, by international artists.

November 23rd 2024 - February 16th 2025

Shanghai Camera and Photography Museum, Pudong District, Shanghai, China

www.shamocp.com

Aloe, 8x10” Salt Print, gold toned, from a wet collodion glass negative.

Bianca Conwell.

Sanctuary, a group exhibition showcasing the handcrafted photographic print. Sutton Village Gallery 1st June-21st July 2024

I was so pleased have two of my photographs in this group exhibition at Sutton Village Gallery just outside of Canberra. The exhibition was a fantastic showcase of many different hand made photographic printing techniques, from 25 Australian and international artists.

‘This exhibition is a visual exploration aiming to showcase the diverse range of perspectives on the concept of 'sanctuary' portrayed through the handcrafted photograph.   By utilising time-honoured, printing techniques, the artists' pay homage to the roots of photography and the craftsmanship involved in creating each image.  The labour-intensive nature of these traditional processes result in exquisitely detailed and richly textured prints, prompting viewers to slow down, get up close and appreciate the artistry and skill involved in each ideation.   Through the solace of nature or moments that invite tranquility, the visual narrative throughout will transport viewers to 'spaces' that provide comfort, inviting them to reflect on their own understanding of 'sanctuary' and the ways in which it can manifest in their own lives.’ (Kim Sinclair)

Thanks to artist Kim Sinclair from Sutton Village Gallery for organising and presenting this work.

Firewood Banksia, and Grevillea

Bianca Conwell

8x10” Salt prints from wet collodion glass negatives, gold toned and finished in beeswax

In my work recently I have been contemplating recurring shapes and forms in nature, the interconnectedness of life forms and our common biological drive for preservation and reproduction.

In my photographs Grevillea and Firewood Banksia I look at the seed pods of these plants. These extremely hardy, fortified structures are the safe keepers and protectors of the future of their species. They securely house all genetic information and evolutionary history of these plants, they are nature’s design for survival and propagation.

Over millions of years these plants have adapted and evolved woody pods to protect their seeds in refuge from the harsh Australian landscape. They withstand bushfires, drought and extremes in temperature.

They are a testament to the determination of life to endure.

Upcoming exhibition August 2023

The Briny Deep

by Bianca Conwell

Observing the recurring shapes and forms in nature. 

An exhibition of hand made photography at

Gold Street Studios

700 James Lane, Trentham East  Vic.

9th Aug-1st Oct 2023

Exhibition opening Sunday Aug 13th at 2pm

goldstreetstudios.com.au


Throughout the natural world we find repeating shapes; meandering patterns, symmetries, spirals and waves.
We see the shapes of grand landscapes and mountain ranges, flowing bodies of water, plant and animal life, prehistoric forms, celestial bodies and galaxies all reflected in each other.

More broadly this body of work reflects my wonder at the interconnectedness of life, nature and our place in it. We are all made of the same matter.

This is my first solo exhibition, all of the photographs in it are made using large format cameras, hand made emulsions and negatives, and hand made printing methods. This exhibition includes salted paper and carbon prints from wet plate glass negatives, and ambrotypes.

I am inspired by time spent in nature along the Otway coast in Victoria, and in this work especially by objects from the sea.

Chrysotype, a contemporary guide to photographic printing in gold. By Leanne McPhee.

Chrysotype

This wonderful book written by Leanne McPhee is part of the Contemporary Practices in Alternative Process Photography Series edited by Christina Z. Anderson. It includes the history of the Chrysotype process, a how-to guide for practitioners, and also information on contemporary artists and their practice.

I was honoured to be included in this book, published in 2021.

Available in paper and hard back, and also e version at Routledge.com and also Amazon.com.au