The Memory of Ice

Emerging at the intersection of art and science, my evolving body of work delves into the intricate dynamics of geological transformations within glacial systems, utilizing the historical cyanotype processs—an alchemical interplay of light and chemistry. Over the past two years, I have embarked on a distinctive artistic journey, employing a labor-intensive technique to capture the iconic mountainous landscapes of Canada.
The foundation of this series is built upon rigorous fieldwork in these majestic, frozen environments. I engage in camera-less photographic methods to trace the molecular changes of ice as it passes through various phases, utilizing cyanotype printmaking to reveal these transitions. Simultaneously, I document the landscapes with a medium-format digital camera, working during the harsh winter months to withstand the unpredictable challenges of mountain weather. This immersion in the environment deepens my understanding of its complex systems and natural rhythms.

Once the cyanotypes are created, I scan them to examine their intricate details at ultra-high resolution. These images reveal abstract visual narratives in which dendritic patterns emerge, reflecting the fractal geometries that underpin existence. These formations evoke the vastness of celestial constellations, the crystalline structure of ice, and the winding paths of river estuaries, embodying an ephemeral beauty that serves as geological markers of Earth's dynamic processes.

The final stage of my process involves reconstructing the captured landscapes through digital collage, blending multiple photographic techniques into cohesive compositions. To add a tactile dimension to my work, I create hand-cut dioramas that translate the dimensional qualities of the environment into physical form. Through meticulous attention to detail, I carefully cut, layer, and mount selected sections of the composition to build intricate, three-dimensional representations of the landscapes I explore. These dioramas serve as a tangible manifestation of the natural world's complexity, offering a direct engagement with the subject matter and highlighting the delicate interplay between space, texture, and form.

Through this work, I utilize both historical and modern technologies to highlight the importance of achieving sustainability through a technological equilibrium. We must return to lifestyles that harmonize with nature while embracing technological advancements—creating a synergy that is essential for the preservation of life-sustaining ecosystems.

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Creating cyanotypes exposures alongside the Athabasca River, in Jasper, Alberta, 2024.

Cyanotype installation at Mountain Galleries, at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, 2024.

Creating cyanotypes exposures alongside the Athabasca River, in Jasper, Alberta, 2024.

Cyanotype installation at Mountain Galleries, at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, 2024.

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