Rachel Sokal's leaf photo art
After two years of hard work, intricate artist Rachel Sokal is exhibiting her remarkable work at an exhibition in Bristol.
The Chlorophyll Prints exhibition, which takes place at The Island Gallery on Bridewell Street from May 17-31, will showcase photos printed onto leaves using only sunlight. Spending months and months mastering the rare and organic process to build up a significant body of work, Sokal is now unveiling it to the world.
By placing a photo printed onto plastic over a leaf, then leaving it out in the sun for several days, the leaf itself takes the place of photographic paper. Yet no chemicals or electric lights are needed here, just the sun! The leaf is still alive as the photo develops onto it; only drying once the process is over and the print- out is lifted away. Just as the leaf itself had a lifespan, so does the image now printed onto it. These chlorophyll prints continue their slow change whenever they are exposed to sunlight, slowly breaking down and disappearing forever.
Rachel’s chlorophyll prints have already been selected in three international photography competitions since 2010, most recently winning the Director’s Honorable Mention at The Center for Fine Art Photography, CO, USA. Rachel is a resident writer for Vignette, a national photography magazine, and teaches photography from her studio in Bristol, specialising in alternative photographic processes. She has facilitated high profile community arts projects at the Chiapas Photography Project, BBC Outreach and Bristol City Council among other institutions.
She will also take part in Spoon Fed, at The Stapleton Road Tavern, whereby nine artists will talk about their work over a delicious dinner and to the soundtrack of some live acoustic music. The audience then votes for their favourite and the entrance fees help fund that particular project. Doors open 6pm on Sunday (April 15). Tickets cost just £5. More information at www.thecollect.org
More information on Rachel Sokal and her work on her website, www.rachelsokal.com or on Facebook and Twitter @rachelsokal
