Henrietta Near
Artist's statement
After working in silkscreen printing for many years, I decided to make a change and explore two different media—photography and assemblage. Photography was an outgrowth of my work in silkscreen.
It has stimulated me to explore new imagery by combining two negatives in the enlarger, thereby creating a new and abstract image. These double exposures add an element of mystery or surprise to the ultimate black and white photograph. I prefer working in black and white as there is greater intensity in the final image.
In my assemblages I emphasize form and subtle relationships between found objects, combining several to produce a final, meaningful, three-dimensional image. Nature is a primary influence on all my work. I'm interested in birds and their various forms and activities. I use their nests, feathers and eggs to create a magical world often unsuspected in the hurry of modern life.