Water: Shape And Time: Photographs By Nick Ellison at Next Stage

Artist Statement:The large format camera is limited in a sense. It takes time to set up the camera, to focus, compose, calculate exposure time, and finally make the exposure. But within that limitation I’ve found room for deep exploration and connection between my choice of equipment, the natural world, and myself. I only have a set number of exposures, sometimes only one or two, forcing me to really look and try to understand what I see. The print itself is precious metal; it will not fade, it will not discolor, so long as the cotton paper base survives so will the image. Each print is unique...

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Artist Statement:The large format camera is limited in a sense. It takes time to set up the camera, to focus, compose, calculate exposure time, and finally make the exposure. But within that limitation I’ve found room for deep exploration and connection between my choice of equipment, the natural world, and myself. I only have a set number of exposures, sometimes only one or two, forcing me to really look and try to understand what I see. The print itself is precious metal; it will not fade, it will not discolor, so long as the cotton paper base survives so will the image. Each print is unique. No two are exactly alike due to their hand made nature. When viewing each photograph I am brought back to each place I stood. I can feel the cold wind, see the mist from the falling water, hear the rushing torrent or gentile burble.I have chosen to have an element of water in each photograph as a way to depict the passing of time to draw attention to change that is often overlooked. I’m trying to narrow the gaze, to focus in on these particulars, on how time changes our view of the environment, because it’s happening incrementally, and we often don’t have the time to notice. But if you pause, as a photograph asks you to do, you can see that the force and power of the water, just like time, offers change.About the Artist:Nick Ellison is a mechanical engineer and lives in Putney with his wife and daughter. His love of photography began in childhood. His interest grew into a passion that has led him to experiment with many different forms. Around six years ago, he discovered that film photography and historical printing processes created an escape from the ubiquity of electronics while also creating images that highlighted the beauty of nature.The Next Stage Gallery is open during events, and by appointment with the artist or by contacting Next Stage at [email protected] or (802) 451-0053.

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