NJE photographer: Vicki Reed

Vicki Reed is an explorer of land, of home and of process.  This Wisconsin photographer surveys the land of her birthplace in Maine as well as the Wisconsin landscape to create images with alternative processes that capture a nostalgic tone that is hard to come by in most contemporary photography.

Ghost Marsh, lith silver gelatin print, 12" x12"   [$300]

Lith printing is a time intensive, sometimes frustrating but potentially addictive alternative printing process. This technique that involves greatly overexposing a photographic print and then only partially developing it in Lith developer is widely known in Europe and is gaining popularity in the US. It results in prints that often have soft warm highlights adjacent to cool, dark, gritty tones. Photographs can range from soft, smooth, warm-toned images to very cool, textured images. The varied results (color and texture) are determined by the initial exposure, the temperature, dilution and maturity of the chemicals, and the characteristics of the paper used. The process is known for creating images that are very difficult to duplicate. However, with practice and meticulous note taking it is possible to produce similar but not identical prints.

Begin your own exploration at www.VickiReed.com and see the work at the Steenbock Gallery. The National Juried Exhibition runs from February 28 until April 8, with an opening reception scheduled for March 4, from 6-9pm.