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An Overlooking Presence of History, Charlie Carter

by Meg Glasgow

Few art methods have changed as dramatically as photography. Shaped by innovation and technology, the process of making photographs has undergone a revolution since its invention 125 years ago. Black-and-white silver gelatin printing is a fading art. It requires a highly skilled and experienced darkroom technician. Yet a devoted band of film fans still adhere to the traditional method of gelatin silver printing.

Meet artist and photographer Charlie Carter. Clinging to the traditional means of the gelatin silver process, photographers like Carter continue the practice through the use of film and silver-coated papers.

“I am inspired and influenced by technique. My interest in the past is becoming more prominent in my work today,” says Carter.

His compositions are a contrasting mix of 19^th century bookplate images combined in the darkroom with his contemporary landscapes. It is in the darkroom manipulation where science becomes art. The selection of the appropriate negative and the preparation for the selected negative in the enlarger is a long procedure. The process of printing these ideas into a single photograph is complex and very time consuming. It’s not uncommon for Carter to produce several images before creating the one that fits the highest standard.

“Each photograph is unique due to how it is printed and the paper it is printed on,” Carter says. “The complexity and spontaneity that occurs in the printing of my photographs ensures its originality to the collector.”

Untitled, Charlie Carter

Carrying photography equipment into Idaho’s backcountry, it is easy to understand where Carter’s passion lies. Being a native Idahoan, his pursuit of the perfect black and white photograph has led him all over the west in hopes of capturing the majesty and grandness of the Western landscape. His strives to create images that inspire and emotionally move the viewer into looking at the natural world around them. Creating an appreciation for the art of silver gelatin black-and-white photography is a bonus.

“My goal is to produce imagery that evokes appreciation to technique, creative merit and intellectual thought while upholding the traditional process of fine art photography,” he says.

Carter received a BFA degree from Boise State University while studying under Professor Howard Huff. He has worked in his chosen medium for the past 20-plus years and is steadfast in making his photographs the “old fashion way.” The artist resides in Meridian, Idaho.

Carter’s latest exhibit, The Path Chosen, opens Friday, October 4 and continues through early November at the Gallery at Finer Frames in Eagle, Idaho.

SOURCE: Art Business News » Latest News - Read entire story here.

Ziyan (Lisa) Tan’s “Basket of Life” (top) and Jessica Traugott’s “Unexpected.”

Earlier this month, the Creative Self-Expression contest honored two up-and-coming artists for their winning work. Sponsored by The Great Frame Up, a custom framing and art retailer, the two young artists each received a $2,000 scholarship from actress and artist Jane Seymour, spokeswoman for the Creative Self-Expression Foundation.

“The Creative Self-Expression Foundation’s goal is to provide high school artists with an opportunity to showcase their talent and express themselves through various mediums,” says Rebecca Hunsel, Marketing Manager for Franchise Concepts, Inc., the national franchiser for The Great Frame Up retail stores.

Georgia native Ziyan (Lisa) Tan received accolades for her oil on canvas, “Basket of Life,” which symbolizes the importance of bread throughout history. Tan hopes to attend Savannah College of Art and Design to study storyboard design and sequential art.

Jessica Traugott of North Carolina received equal praise for “Unexpected,” a colored pencil drawing which explores the topic of decay. This fall she will attend The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, to study entertainment design.

SOURCE: Art Business News » Latest News - Read entire story here.