Historically we civilized humans have tested and challenged the limits of materials and products that we make and utilize. Both manmade and natural things go through a testing process that challenges their durability. The prime example might be the human body. We seem to have a basic need for the exhilaration of living on the edge. We challenge the limits of the human body and thrive on the experience as if the ravages of time and nature were not satisfying enough.

My body of mixed media is a work in progress representing an exploration of this concept. The limits and durability of materials are challenged. The materials include the double weight fiber photographic paper they are printed on. The paper is physically manipulated creating a leatheresque texture. This brings to mind the effect of time and nature on the human face-- an aging process. The various media are applied like make-up and face-work to enhance the weathered image. The media are sometimes challenged by application and re-application which is necessary due to intermediate water saturation and physical manipulation. It is a randomly executed process of trial, error, and experimentation. Sometimes I will distress the paper before exposure and sometimes, after. There are no rules other than spontanaeity. Some prints don't survive the distress of the challenge, but at times I have rescued a work from the trash can and attempted to revive it--sometimes successfully!

Kenneth E. Walker

January 08