Ann Mitchell

In this series of constructed images, I am creating a world that feels somewhere between a dream and a cinematic still. Where we have a sense that the space and narrative continues beyond the frame, with echos from a past existence. The title, Chance Chronicles, comes from the process I used to create the images, which starts with a randomly selected written meditation prompt. I then start writing and the writing process leads to me images…which are the basis for the work you see here.

Starting with a warm, monochromatic palette to impart a sense of nostalgia, I use a visual language of objects that weave man-made structures into a place where nature is returning. These are spaces of transition and I like the idea that in a balance between us and nature…nature will eventually have its way with us. The objects within the frame are the characters - they embody hope, loss, life, age, strength…that is their role in these landscapes. Visually, I’m fascinated by the narratives/dreams that come to mind when I find abandoned places, and I’m drawn to western landscapes where the sky seems to go on forever...where there’s enough space for waves of those dreams.

In creating these scenes, I work with my own imagery and that has taught me to look for scenes that are both evocative and non-specific to allow the viewer to remain in the “authenticity” of this new world. For this series I created a set of textures taken from a variety of vintage traditional processes: the glass from old proof frames, the edges of wet plates, even aging film by leaving it out in the elements. I’ve chosen to print these in hand-coated Platinum / Palladium, a 19th Century process which I love for its luminous mark of the hand.

For a catalog of additional images, please contact me.

I’ve chosen to print these images with hand-coated Platinum / Palladium, a 19th Century process which I love for its luminous mark of the hand. They are available in a limited edition of 5, on 11"x14" paper, signed and numbered on the front.

Chance Chronicles evolved as images first...without a solid idea of what the "output" would be. Over the course of a year I experimented with various methods with mostly depressing results. During that time period I still had a need to move forward with the work and that's when I decided to turn to animation. It seemed like the perfect approach, given that the series itself has such a cinematic quality for me. Each of these shorts are to be considered moments where you stand and experience this world.

Please make sure your sound is on as that is an integral part of the experience.