March, 2024 Newsletter

Fine Art Photography

March, 2024

The vernal equinox signals a welcome expansion of daylight, punctuated by the boisterous chatter of birds. Spring in Vermont, however, is yet in the distance. Over the weekend, the largest snowstorm of the year swept through, leaving a foot of powder outside my window.

Inexorably, the season will change, and with it, my livelihood. This will be my final semester as a professor of photography at Champlain College. Budget restructuring will see the end of their darkroom classes and half of my overall teaching load. Thankfully, I will continue to teach at St. Michael’s College, where I also oversee the student led Photo Club and where I use the darkroom and Mac lab to produce my photography. I’ve been saying for years that I’d like to teach less and make more art, and so I’m viewing the shift as an opportunity.

Although nervous about the loss in income, I am excited to have more time to create and broaden my artistic horizons. Each week since mid-December, I have been submitting to galleries, applying for grants, and refining my concepts for new bodies of work. Stay tuned for updates and examples.

Tractor Shed Snow Load, Barber Farm

8x9-inch Silver Gelatin Holga Print, 2017

I continue to experiment with varying the formats of Contact Grids. Here are two Triptychs, where each set of three frames was cropped from a contact sheet of ‘My Father’s Things”.

My Father’s Things, Contact Triptych #1

My Father’s Things, Contact Triptych #2

On February 15, I drove to Boston to attend the opening of “First Look 2024” at the Panopticon Gallery, where my Contact Grids are exhibited along with the work of four creative photographers. Each of our styles and themes contributed a distinct dimension to the show. Props to Alexa Cushing and Connor Noll for curating the rich and expansive exhibition, which will be on display through April.

The reception was lively and enjoyable, and I was joined by my wonderful sister, Stephanie, who helped me stay awake and focused during the long drive back to Vermont through the icy snow.

Single Frames from My Father’s Things

8x10-inch Silver Gelatin Prints, 2024

Above is a darkroom drying rack preview of the 11-print commission for Edelweiss Mountain Deli on the Mountain Road in Stowe, Vt. Owners Jeff and Kris Clarke have selected images from several bodies of work to be framed and hung in their venerated establishment. They have been active in supporting artists and their deli and grocery is not only a fine food and beverage destination, but also a chance to encounter an assortment of original art, on the outside walls and throughout the interior. I am thrilled to be included in the extensive display!

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Click HERE to watch a brief YouTube video by artist Fiona Small about my process and thoughts around photographing vintage pictures for my ongoing “(Re)membering” series.

I describe recontextualizing photographs of my father, as a baby through to his later years, with my handmade liquid emulsion prints, some of which reveal his face or hands through his cremated ashes.

SPOTLIGHT: Private Collections

C.J. Spirito, Rock Point School, Burlington, Vt.

Head of School and dear friend, C.J. Spirito, stands in his office with Holga print “November Apples” above and liquid emulsion print “Vida Blue, 1975” from “Of Gavin” (2019) to his side.

Rock Point is an alternative high school located on the beautiful grounds overlooking Lake Champlain, north of Burlington’s North Beach. The non-profit boarding and day school provides a caring and supportive environment for students of all stripes who benefit from the small classes and deeply engaged faculty + staff, within the spirit of inclusion, creativity, personal expression, and community. It is truly a gem, through and through. For the past 15 years, I have been working for Rock Point as a part-time carpentry handyman and I take pride in helping to maintain the historic 1887 stone school building and the lovely campus.

To learn more about this unique educational resource and to make a donation: Rock Point School

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

“First Look 2024” at the Panopticon Gallery, Boston

Through April 30, 2024

My Father’s Things, Contact Grids

Archival Pigment Prints, 2023/24

The centerpiece, “My Father’s Things, Contact Grid #4,” is framed at 31 x 34 inches.

"My Father’s Things, Contact Grid #’s 8, 5, 1, and 6” are framed at 26 x 28 inches.

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“Images of Havana” at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport

Through June, 2024

Burlington International Airport

11x14-inch Silver Gelatin Lith Prints, 2015

Thanks to Kate Ashman, the Public Arts Coordinator for Burlington City Arts, 14 lith prints from my “Images of Havana” series are hanging at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. If you are departing or arriving, take a moment and check it out!

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“Wheels” at the Museum of Everyday Life

Glover, Vermont

Through May, 2024

My Father’s Things, Contact Quad #13

8x10-inch Archival Inkjet Print, 2023

My piece above, was created for the wonderfully varied MOEL exhibition, which navigates all things rolling and turning. When you visit this unique museum, be sure to explore the permanent collection–where you can see two analog photographs of my father’s house, from last year’s exhibition, “Coming Clean”.

THIS MONTH’S PRINTS FOR SALE

One of each of these specially priced, signed and wrapped prints is available, on a first-come basis, and can be window-matted for an additional cost. To purchase, click on the image. Visit the website Store Page to see additional prints for sale. Please email with questions, comments, or to inquire about any images: jordan@jordandouglasphotography.com

Ice and Grass, Light Leak

8x9-inch Silver Gelatin Holga Print, 2023

$100

Photographed in March, 2022

Vieja, Cuenca, Ecuador

8x10-inch Silver Gelatin Emulsion on Arches Watercolor Paper, toned in Sepia, 2002

$150

Photographed in March, 1999

Richmond Bridge, March

8x10-inch Silver Gelatin Print, toned in Sepia, 2000

$125

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Thank you to those who purchased prints from last month’s selection!

IN THE VIEWFINDER

In the weeks ahead, I will receive word about some of my recent exhibition and grant submissions. I hope to have exciting news to share! I am looking forward to the emergence of spring, as I reflect upon and embrace my own transitions. When the academic year ends in early May, I will have the space to dive into new creative projects. In the meantime, I live directly in the Path of Totality for the momentous Solar Eclipse on April 8…

I’ll see you on the other side!

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Contact: jordan@jordandouglasphotography.com

jordandouglasphotography.com