Write a brief reflective account in your research journal that considers how interdisciplinary practice is already present in your practice. Consider how you think you might expand your practice through the greater use of other disciplines, media and critical contexts.
Still life Art and Photography.
I’m an artist and photographer who teaches both and I am frequently reminded how closely connected they are. As a photographer who takes images mainly of flowers, I can’t avoid the topic of still life. Still life can be used to study in a control environment and objects can be used to symbolize different meaning: an area I would like to research more into. I also feel there is a strong connection to my practice with the study of organic forms in science.
The earliest photographers would take images of still life to be accepted as a form of art, like a painting. I come across views from people that photography is for people who can’t draw and I was once told photography is the easiest option out of the two, I clearly disagree I feel both areas are equal to each other. I really like the idea of a photograph trying to look more like a painting and painting trying to look more like photograph. Tom Baril digital images are a great example, which looks like early 15th and 16th century paintings of still life. I have included two pieces of his work.
Images by Tom Baril:
Left: Peonies 2007 Right: Peonies 2008
I have started to experiment with my own work and trying out a new style with my images. I never take pictures of flowers in black and white mainly because the colour is so beautiful I feel guilty not showing that off. Surprising I did like the outcome; instead of exploring colour I feel I had to focus more on the composition of the flower. I like the grungy look in the black and white image of the Tom Baril Peonies 2007 toned silver gelatin photograph.
Today I visited a beautiful place called Mount Ephraim Gardens in Faversham Kent. In the back of mind I kept thinking about Tom Baril work more pacifically the image of the flowers in a vase which look like a oil painting. I couldn’t help myself but try this technique. I have included a image taken on my phone.
Flowers in fireplace:
I have to talk about one of my favourite photographers Edward Weston. Edward Weston was a 20th century American photographers, who took pictures of beautiful organic forms. His black and white photos are breathtaking and the magic he creates within his photos is stunning. I love how he uses the elements of photography, line, shape, size, space, size space, colour, value and texture. Key elements I try to use within my photography. I have included a image taken today, it’s not black and white but I was focusing on the shapes without the flower, which remind me of hearts.
Redhearts Flower 
Gemma Ryder 