mark monk-terry
Breathe (Series)
DESCRIPTION
Breathe - this project started to develop in 2018 when I developed several respiratory problems. At the time, I was photographing and working in woodlands and I began to wonder if there was any connection between my health and the layers of dust, microbes and plant spores in these habitats. Contemplating these invisible elements and inspired by the textures of old printing techniques, I began to experiment on the dry plates I was taking. Layers of texture were created by letting salts evaporate on the plates and occasionally adding fungal spores. I attempted to grow spores directly onto the plates and in petrie dishes but this was problematic so I added layers of tree, flower and grass pollen in Photoshop; sometimes alongside fungal spores. These layers are intended to create the invisible bodies that might pervade these woodland sites and also allow me to further consider the causes of respiratory issues including, bacteria, viruses and environmental factors.
I had been considering my own health issues for some time before the outbreak of Covid-19 but became increasingly aware of the fragility of my own respiratory system during the crisis.
AUTHOR
Born 1967
I worked as an assistant to several advertising and editorial photographers in the early 1990’s and was a member of the North Star artists’ co-operative in Brighton from 1994 until 2010 when I moved to Heathfield in East Sussex and created a darkroom at home. I have also worked in nature conservation for over 20 years.
I enjoy working on a project or series of images based on place or elements of landscape – often looking for subtle signs of human interaction with the natural world.
Walking with a camera, returning to favoured locations and observing change over time is an important part of my practice. Alongside my photographic work, I also work in nature conservation which helps inform and inspire my photography. I am interested in geography, ecology, archaeology, history, mapping and landscapes and draw upon these disciplines to inspire my work.
Awards
Neutral Density photography awards 2015 – Second place - Fine art landscape.
Neutral Density photography awards 2016 – Honourable mention
Monovisions photography awards 2017 - Honourable mention
FAPA 16/17 Nominee fine art
FAPA 19/20 Nominee fine art
FAPA 20/21 Nominee fine art
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