Jacob Carter

I came across Jacob Carter's work at BLDGBLOG.

He has a number of series - among others: River Thames; Wilderness Series, Canada; 1940 Landscape Series; Utopian Visions.

"The Wilderness Series are a collection of photos taken in remote parts of Canada, where there is little human habitation. Only vital services can be found spread across the surrounding country, from rail lines carrying freight to the rare but vital gas station. I have focused in particular on the parallels between the natural, untouched surroundings and the elements of human intervention that become greatly apparent when seen in such a context.



The photographs were created using a combination of both digital and filmic techniques: Photographed using film that expired in the 1970s which is then digitally restored and manipulated to restore appropriate details...

All technologies and inventions have written within their lifespan the certainty of being rendered obsolete by improvement. Technology is in a state of unceasing change.

The fabric of cities stand as testament to the unrelenting development by man upon once open land. Layer upon layer of dense building and rebuilding; the constant urge to improve upon or change the surrounding environment has given rise to vivid cityscapes. Empty wharfs, unused power stations and other now derelict buildings of industry stand as the ruins and remains of once cutting edge technologies.

I believe a similar parallel exists in the world of photography. A catalogue of photographic processes and techniques now cast aside by progress stands testament to this...

The most recent work I have created is the result of a long interest in the aesthetic of early photographic methods, in particular colour postcards from the 19th century. I have attempted to synthesis the particular colours, textures and tones that have become synonymous with a more primitive era of photography.

The techniques are the result of much research, experimenting with methods such as Gum Bichromate and salt-printing, as well as using varnishes. The resulting images were created using specifically chosen expired film stock (expiry date 1970!) and then perfecting the images digitally."