THE INVISIBLE WOUNDS OF FRIENDSHIP
I started this series of Cyanotypes in 2022, after I moved from New York to Los Angeles and uprooted my life once more.
Cyanotypes are one of the oldest photographic printing processes. It was developed by scientist, astronomer and botanist John Herschel in 1842. A year later, botanist and first known female photographer Anna Atkins used cyanotypes to create a photographic album of algae specimens (1843). Her book is considered to be the first book ever to be illustrated with photographic images.
Cyanotype is an intense process, which entails a lot of testing, trial and error, and never guarantees results. A solution is brushed over paper, the image is placed on the paper, then exposed to the sun, and a reaction creates the iconic blue print. The print is then rinsed in water, and dried.
Creating cyanotypes requires I collaborate with the California sun, but also use a compromised resource - water. The process itself mirrors the theme of the series, which is to explore the Invisible Wounds of Friendship. As I create these prints, I reflect on friendship, relationships, wounds we inflict on one-another, and the healing process.
To create these images, I reached out to my network of friends, social media followers, animal shelters and rescue groups around the world. I collected their X-rays of injured, sick, malformed, and pregnant dogs.
TEDDY LEADING, 2022.
Unique Cyanotype. 36x44in.
Body recomposed, using a variety of X-rays from different dogs and places.
BANANA LEADING, 2022.
Unique Cyanotype. 36x44in.
Body recomposed, using a variety of X-rays from different dogs and places.
SNOWBALL LEADING, 2022.
Unique Cyanotype. 36x44in.
Body recomposed, using a variety of X-rays from different dogs and places.
Dogs have been our friends for at least 15,000 years. Working in dog rescue, I see the best and the worst humanity has to offer. Dogs come into the rescue system injured, sick, hurting. More often than not, their illnesses or injuries are the direct results of their proximity with humans.
Even though Cities have to take in all strays and surrendered animals, they are rarely given the financial means to treat injured and sick animals. Instead, the medical cost of saving these lives often falls on the rescue community (private rescues and citizens). It is not unusual for injured animals to cost $10,000, $20,000 more in vet care. Challenges to access costly vet care is one of the leading reasons people surrender their animals to shelters.
TEDDY.
Cyanotype, 9x12in.
Teddy - a sweet labrador mix - was found as a stray and brought to Seminole County Animal Services in Florida. He was showing signs of arthritis at the shelter. When x-rayed, the images showed he has pellets all over his head, chest, and some in his legs. They appeared to be old, since he didn’t have any open wounds. Teddy has since been adopted.
CROC.
Cyanotypes (some toned with tea and coffee). Series of 4 (each 8.25x11.75in)
Croc has multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, a condition that affects the ends of the long bones. A combination of medication has given Croc a significant quality of life back, and he was adopted. (Mr Bones & Co, new York).
SNOWBALL and ARNIE.
Cyanotype, 9.5x12in.
Snowball was rescued with a broken jaw.
Arnie is a purebred French Bulldog who was a show dog, until his breeder retired him from the ring because he couldn’t keep weight. He was taken in by Heather, who has since discovered that Arnie has a litany of horrifying health issues, all related to his breeding. Fenchies are purposely bred with flat faces (brachycephaly). This has terrible consequences for the health of these dogs, who cannot breathe or regulate their temperature normally, and are more prone to spine issues, cancer, eye ulcers, skin infections, and more.
SNOWBALL.
Cyanotypes, 9x12in.
Someone brought Snowball to the Oklahoma Animal Alliance in a laundry basket after finding him in rural Oklahoma. She had tried to nurse him back to health, but he was in bad shape. X-rays showed Snowball had a broken lower jaw. He had a few surgeries to remove some broken jaw fragments, but with pain meds and antibiotics, he improved quickly. He turned into a little spitfire with quite a charismatic grin. He has since been adopted and his new name is Kevin.
LUCY.
Cyanotype toned with wine tanin. 8x10in.
In 2013, an intruder broke into Lucy’s family property. He found himself faced with 6 dogs who attacked him, including Lucy whom he stabbed in the head. By some miracle, he missed her brain and eye, and Lucy made a full recovery. The intruder ran away and threatened other people with a weapon as he escaped, bleeding. He was later caught and charged with animal cruelty. The suspect was convicted two years later, with an 8-year deferred sentence, he had to pay restitution and served 12 weekends in county jail.