Elemental Eidos.
Josie Purcell
Throughout my photographic practice, I aim to find ways to lessen my photographic footprint. This is determined through the use of minimal/non-chemical printing processes or via work that challenges me, and the viewer, to consider alternatives.
Elemental Eidos grew from my series Harena Now which uses an abstract aesthetic to promote conversation about the environmental and humanitarian issues global sand mining is creating. It works on the same principle of using something pleasing to attract attention, and once the engagement is made, sharing the reasons as to why the art has been created.
Drawing on my Harena Now research into Cathodoluminescence, a geological sampling technique, Elemental Eidos has made use of images from this process kindly provided by the IMP@CT Project*. In addition, some images have been created directly from sand.
The work is mixed up with memories of childhood kaleidoscopes - they provide a touchstone for the elements within, the need to provide and the need to sustain. To create beauty, form and function we need resources.
The question is, how long can we be ‘Of Earth - For Earth’? Will we be as multi-faceted as a kaleidoscope, able to change to create a new picture, in our endeavours to secure balance between our wants and modern lifestyles and the availability of natural resources?
Of Earth For Earth (2020)
JOSIE PURCELL
Josie Purcell is based in Cornwall. Her photographic practice predominantly looks at the human impact on the natural world through the use of alternative and camera-less photographic processes. She set up her participatory photography project, ShutterPod, in 2014, and gained a distinction in her MA in Photography in 2019. Josie has exhibited internationally with organisations such as Shutter Hub and with Rome Art Week.