Alexandra Silverthorne: Derivative

Artist Alexandra Silverthorne of Washington, DC, continues my recent project by writing about "influence." As usual, I extend an invitation to all local artists who would like to participate in this effort. Just email me!

Strong Enough

Alexandra Silverthorne: Derivative

It took me some time to wrap my mind around the word derivative. At first I thought of all the photographers who have influenced and inspired me: Harry Callahan, Yousuf Karsh, Dorothea Lange, Ken Light, to name a few. What was I drawn to in each of their work? What was it that pulled me in and left me feeling inspired?

I began to think about my own photographic techniques: almost always manual all the way, only darkroom techniques, nothing digital. Without being able to come up with a complete answer, I pondered my attachement- despite frustrations- to the film, to the chemicals, to the process.

I thought about books and music. I thought about the way lines from a song or ideas from a book float into my head as I'm shooting and printing. The list is long: Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter, John Steinbeck, Chuck Palahniuk, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, to once again name a few.

I think about all the split second images and memories that I will never forget- the ones that I did not capture on film, the ones that occured when I wasn't shooting, when I didn't even have a camera on me, many from my childhood. I think of pain and suffering and of joy and peace and how- somehow- the two have managed to coexist in this crazy world of ours.

And when you mix all these influences and inspirations and memories and thoughts with a box of light and some film, of course you'll end up with a derivative, a swirl of reality and creativity and art and truth. All of it coming in through me- my senses, my memory, my imagination. All of it interpretating what is in front of the lens and then taking form as I push down on a single button.

"and it's just a box of rain, i don't know who put it there, believe it if you need it or leave it if you dare..." (hunter/lesh).

Drum

Previous Posts:

Charles Neenan: Tradition
Kelly Towles: Color
Ryan Mulligan: Originality
Matt Hollis: Confinement
Dean Fueroghne: Originality
James W. Bailey: Obligation
J. Coleman: Depiction
Andy Moon Wilson: Decision
Molly Springfield: Language
Bryan Whitson: Scene
Elyse Harrison: Motivation
Jiha Moon Wilson: Influence