Michael Rawling Elemental Series

Michael Rawling’s organic photography is made using Film and Field Samples from site of each photograph. Each image is different as it combines the water, mineral and organic samples taken at the site of each film’s location with the film itself. Each film takes 6 to 9 months to react with the film. The collected samples of naturally occurring water, mineral elements and organic matter have a highly unpredictable effect on the film depending on the location own individual character - whether salt or seawater, or whether iron-rich geology or other minerals. No cutting & pasting or moving of elements in the picture in Photoshop is used. Echoing renaissance alchemy methodologies, mixing practical chemistry and philosophy, the process of production of the images and resulting appearance reflects the artist’s investigation into his spiritual life.