Timothy McCoy explores alternative photographic processes to evoke the timelessness of his images and their interpretative rather than documentary intent. He works in 3 different processes for 3 different reasons.
From: Cumming, Georgia, USA
Shows: Albumen, Polymer Photogravures, Palladium prints
Timothy McCoy creates images to transform the “reality” seen through the camera lens into expressions of the oneness and wonder found in Buddhist/Taoist philosophy. His approach has been influenced by The Keepers of Light, by William Crawford, which can be summarized as an investigation of how photographic meaning is determined by choice of camera format and lens, photographic paper and development, and the “framing” of the image. He explores alternative photographic processes to evoke the timelessness of his images and their interpretative rather than documentary intent. His choice of medium is an integral element of the message.
He chose albumen printing on Canson sketching paper for his portfolio, Long, Long, Journey to the Sea, which is a powerful metaphor for the course of human life. The albumen process is a journey that begins with cracking the eggs to obtain albumen and ends in dim light as the images progress from brick-red to purple during gold-toning. Viewing an albumen print is like a journey into the heart of darkness.
He chose palladium printing on translucent vellum paper for his portfolio, Sanctuary, a Jungian expression of archetypal structures. “Sanctuary” embodies hope and refuge in response to fear and loss—here seen through the lens of time. Warm oxalate development results in a brownish image that when combined with the hard vellum surface resembles parchment—an allusion to the passage of time.
He chose polymer photogravue printing on hand-made Gampi-shi Japanese paper for his portfolio, Tongues Turned to Stone, a study of ancient Greek and Roman theatres. He prints with an antique Griffin Press, which reminds him that the theatre remnants stand for decay, neglect, and loss as well as survival.
“Rather than photographing evanescent contemporary culture, I prefer that my images focus on what culture leaves behind—or on natural phenomena as a metaphoric substitute.”
He was inspired to become a dedicated photographer when he attended a workshop by legendary photographer, Frederick Sommer, in San Antonio, Texas USA, He subsequently attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
His work is included in the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the Museum of Contemporary Arts of Georgia; the Asheville Art Museum; the Baldwin Photographic Collection, Murfreesboro, TN; and the Lamar Dodd Art Center, La Grange, GA.
More about Timothy McCoy:
- Contact email: tim (at) timothymccoyphoto.com
- Website: timothymccoyphoto.com
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