(Source: theinsomniacsun)
Tattoo by Dan McWilliams at Freakshow Tattoo in Fort Collins, CO
Inspired by Louis Wain Early Indian Irish
In 2009 I was diagnosed with PTSD and since have bounced around from therapist to therapist because I refuse to medicate. I didn’t have the courage to tell my friends or family because I felt embarrassed and ashamed to admit I had a mental disorder. I was warned I could develop schizophrenia without proper treatment but I can’t bring myself to take medication. A few months back I discovered Louis Wain and was inspired by his story. While many people viewed his schizophrenia as an illness, through his paintings, I saw him slowly develop a higher level of consciousness. I stopped viewing myself as sick and am beginning to accept that the PTSD is a part of who I am. I struggle daily with feelings of anxiety, depression, and paranoia but when asked about my tattoo I hope to gain support from my loved ones.
Phillip Stearns electrocutes unexposed instant film with 15,000 volts.
He also pours various household chemicals (like bleach) onto the prints to make the colors and corrosion you see. The process is about as beautiful as the end result. You can watch how it’s done here.
We asked Phillip a few questions about his process:
What inspired you to apply electricity to film as opposed to just chemicals?My explorations were guided most by what materials I had available. A big batch of this instant color film was being thrown out, presumably by a photographer in my building transitioning out of analog film. Two years ago, I received a batch of neon tubes and high voltage ballasts to drive them. After tinkering with interrupting the process of developing the film (after exposing to light) and discovering the painterly qualities such physical manipulations produced, I started to think about how else I work with the film.Through experimenting with digital cameras a couple of years prior to these experiments in film, I became aware of Hiroshi Suigimoto’s work of subjecting photopaper to electric discharges and thought that I could try something similar with the neon ballasts and the color film itself.
How did you go about making sure your process was actually safe to do?I caution, again, this is not safe. No one should try this on their own, unless assisted by a qualified electrician trained in dealing with high voltages, and a physician. Death by electrocution is quite real.Any other tips or comments you have for photographers who want to explore analog or digital experiments?Look at what you have around you. Use it differently. Look for potentials that exist just beyond, hidden within the normally prescribed perception of things. Play, but be smart about it. Be safe.
(via give--me--novocaine)
