Thanks to Michelle Macullo, who wrote a really good article about my current show at the Banff Public Library. She really "got" me. It is always a bit strange when someone interviews you for an article, because you say what you have to say, and then don't read the article until it is in print, which at that point it is final, and if anything you said was misunderstood, there is no way to clarify. Michelle did awesome. If you would like to read the article you can go to the site or read on...
Vintage Polaroid Creates Innovative Art
Published: October 16, 2008 7:00 AM
Updated: October 16, 2008 7:34 AM
By Michelle Macullo BANFF
Making one's passion a career is a dream for most. But for Bow Valley photographer Tiffany Teske, it's a reality.
Over the years, she's made the time and effort to keep her skills sharp. More importantly, she indulges in the craft, simply for the sake of art.
During the month of October, Teske steps away from the business aspect of her career and enchants audiences with Seeing Double: Reflections on Human/Nature in Banff, a playful look at the artist's view of Banff.
The exhibit features 23 unnamed colour, double-exposure images taken with the soon-to-be-extinct Polaroid Spectra film. The juxtaposition between the human and natural elements results in an entertaining and unique peek into why Banff enchants Teske. The project took her nearly one year to complete, while she explored the relationship of humans and nature during all four seasons.
While drawn to Banff's beauty Teske, unlike many local artists, isn't driven to capture the mountain landscape on paper.
"I think there's an expectation that if you're a photographer in Banff, people assume you do landscape photography," she said. "I prefer to examine little nooks and crannies - the interplay of people."
Teske took a minimalist approach to Seeing Double, relying on "lots of junk that's useful for art," including use of a $5 Polaroid camera purchased at a thrift store, recycled mats, frames and expired film. Not only was she able to reduce her footprint, she was surprised by her efforts.
"I was thrilled when I discovered the camera worked," she grins. "I never knew what I was going to get. And because of the size (of the photos), people have to get up close to really see what the images are about."
Teske's career as a photographer was accidental. While she enjoyed the craft and tinkered from the age of seven, she didn't take formal classes until her post-secondary years of education at the University of Maine in Augusta. She intended to study nursing, but "the pieces (acquiring the necessary pre-requisites) just never fell into place." And before she knew it, she was studying photography full-time.
Since then, she's achieved renown for her work with the analog photographic process, particularly using the Polaroid films. She regularly exhibits her work in solo and group exhibitions in both Canada and the U.S.
The show's one-of-a-kind images are available framed or unframed. More information on Teske's services and products is available at www.oldesage.com
Seeing Double: Reflections on Human/Nature in Banff runs until the end of the month at the Banff Public Library Art Gallery.
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