Oak Series
These images were captured using an old 8x10 large camera format using the mid-1800s process of wet plates. The capture and the process of the images were done on location with a trailer. Then the images were scanned and printed - all limited editions.
Large Oak Tree Plate #2 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 53.5 x 64.5 inches (Framed) $14,000
OAK Series Plate #25 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 38 x 45 inches (Framed) $6,400
OAK Series Plate #14 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 38 x 45 inches (Framed) $6,400
OAK Series Plate #15 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 38 x 45 inches (Framed) $6,400
OAK Series Plate #19 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 45 x 38 inches (Framed) $6,400
OAK Series Plate #12 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 45 x 38 inches (Framed) $6,400
OAK Series Plate #21 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 38 x 45 inches (Framed) $6,400
OAK Series Plate #10 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 38 x 45 inches (Framed) $6,400
The wet plate collodion process is challenging and difficult to master, but the results are full of energy, and wabi-sabi – the Japanese concept of embracing imperfections.
OAK Series Plate #20 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 45 x 38 inches (Framed) $6,400
The Old Vineyard Portfolio
This series was part of a portfolio showcasing some of the oldest and still producing vines in Napa County. It was my first "incursion" with the collodion process, and all the ten images were captured using a smaller older camera: a 4x5. As with the Oak Trees and the Uprooted Vines, all the images were captured and developed on location. Later, the plates were scanned and printed without any modifications or alterations.
Old Vineyards - Summer Plate #21 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 26 x 35 inches (Framed) $4,500
Old Vineyards - Summer Plate #13 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 35 x 26 inches (Framed) $4,500
Old Vineyards - Summer Plate #18 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 35 x 26 inches (Framed) $4,500
Old Vineyards - Summer Plate #12 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 35 x 26 inches (Framed) $4,500
Old Vineyards - Summer Plate #33 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 35 x 26 inches (Framed) $4,500
Old Vineyards - Summer Plate #19 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 35 x 26 inches (Framed) $4,500
Old Vineyards - Winter Plate #1 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 26 x 35 inches (Framed) $4,500
Old Vineyards - Winter Plate #13 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 35 x 26 inches (Framed) $4,500
Old Vineyards - Winter Plate #9 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 35 x 26 inches (Framed) $4,500
Uprooted Vines Series
As with the Oak Series, Uprooted Vines Series were also captured with an old 8 x 10 using collodion/wet plates. For anybody living in wine country, the uprooting of vines is another cycle in the agriculture of the vineyards. I decided to honor these generous plants with wet plates.
Uprooted Vine Series - Plate #4 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 45 x 38 inches (Framed)
Uprooted Vine Series - Diptych Plate #1 & #2 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 2 - 45 x 38 inches (Framed) $10,000
Uprooted Vine Series - Plate #21 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 38 x 45 inches (Framed) $6,400
Uprooted Vine Series - Plate #13 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 45 x 38 inches (Framed) $6,400
Uprooted Vine Series - Plate #11 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 45 x 38 inches (Framed) $6,400
Uprooted Vine Series - Plate #21 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 38 x 45 inches (Framed) $6,400
Vine Calligraphy
Pruning is another agricultural activity in Wine Country. I collected the branches from different vineyards and placed them in my studio as if they were strokes of calligraphy on large papers.
I wanted to say something and nothing at the same time. I was inspired by Chinese, Japanese and Persian calligraphies as well as by Cy Twombly's work.
I captured this series digitally, and patiently eliminated all the shadows in an effort to mimic a big brush. Quite frequently, the workers in the vineyards looked at me with puzzlement because I was carrying their clippings away in my truck...
Wasp Nest
A client's gardener found this wasp nest dried and empty. The client loved it and asked me to create a "portrait" of the nest. The chemicals in the mixture didn't work correctly when the plate was exposed and, unintentionally, I scratched some parts of the plate while removing it from the camera. I almost trashed it, but then I embraced it as one of my proudest plates. It was a wasp nest, but it also looks like a heart. It was also a home and like many homes, there are scratches, dark spots, things that are not always easy to clean or resolve. I really like this plate!
Large Wasp Nest - Plate #3 Print from Wet Plate Collodion Process 53.5 x 64.5 inches (Framed) $14,000
No Winery This Lane Polaroid Assemblage 35 x 26 inches (Framed) $9,000
