Photo+Construct

Rachelle Clarke
Portland, Oregon

Capturing Gaia (48" x 72")

To inquire about purchasing this work
please contact Laura at 23 Sandy.

Artist Statement

Born in Alaska.
Raised in Alaska and Alabama.
Dreamed in Alaska, Alabama, Washington and Oregon.      

The compound of so many contrasting cultures, attitudes, traditions, and dialects has shaped my views and memories into a unique collage. The use of antique windows as frames suggests the nostalgic interior of the photographs’ compositions. The images are of common objects or scenes of everyday life that triggered remembrances and stories for me. My intention is to present them to viewers in hopes that they find their own reminders within the works.

“Capturing Gaia” is an on-going project. It is my attempt to personify the concept of Mother Nature, along with Walt Whitman's beliefs he presented in “Blades of Grass”. They are a variety of double exposures combined with collage techniques. The largest, and most difficult, piece in this project is 72x54 inches. It is comprised of countless parts of trees assembled together to form one tree, with one figure imposed into the parts to form the image. 

Much like the old windows, objects seldom used for their original intent, is my taste in photography. I shoot strictly on manual cameras (usually a Minolta SRT101 or a Hassablad from the 50’s) only in black and white with no digital aid, tricks, bells or whistles. Dad always said, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Artist Biography

I am a self taught artist. I began working with photography nine years ago, and have been showing my work on a regular basis in coffee shops, night clubs, and galleries ever since. For the last three years, I have owned and operated a studio at 1627 NE Alberta St. There I have been part of the Street Fairs and every Last Thursday event. I still use film and have a darkroom. I am one of the last few hold outs.

All images and text copyright the artist. All rights reserved.