Liminal Spaces
(click on images to view them full size)
Heading in some new directions (photographically).
I’m not sure if that is actually an accurate heading - I am exploring some new directions photographically, but they are places I’ve explored previously - I’m just doing this exploration in a slightly new way. What I mean is that I have joined forces with a group of three other photographers who I originally met in the AYWMC Group (A Year With My Camera - note this is a free year long photography course that I highly recommend ) and we’ve decided to challenge each other and work on a collaboration together. The group consists of Heather (Nova Scotia Heather ), Fiona and MZ. They are a rather formidable group of creatives with very different styles and approaches with a primary emphasis on abstract and multiple exposure images. I’m like the Sesame Street song (One of These Things Is Not Like the Others) with my primarily bird and nature images.
Liminal space abstraction from Heather.
Heather creates some wonderfully creative abstracts and she has a strong case of GAS, but in her case it is Gear Aversion Syndrome - she uses minimal lenses and creates amazing images. I have enjoyed how she keeps coming up with new ideas and ways of expressing herself in images.
In fact we met up at the Freeman Patterson retreat last July which was also a wonderful experience in creativity.
Fiona’s liminal space interpretation.
Fiona’s style is very different with a moody edginess that I find draws me in. When I first saw this image I was drawn to the contrast of the three bright lights and the reddish orange coloured table and then my eyes found the coffee cup - sitting alone almost isolated. At this point my imagination takes over and creates this whole storyline around why there is a single cup of coffee on this brightly lit table in a room that almost looks like an interrogation room.
MZ’s interpretation of liminal space.
MZ is quite new to the idea and concept of liminal space, but she is quickly creating her own interpretation of this idea. We have spoken about a mountain pass near where she lives which creates a transition from the safety of civilization to this desolate stretch of highway which is often subject to changeable and foul weather conditions. Her words and images paint the picture of an isolated section of highway that leads to points unknown. I love this image that she has created from this lonely stretch of road.
ICM of a fast flowing river. (EXIF data f22, 1sec, 400mm, ISO64)
I will admit that I do like to dabble in more creative forms of photography like Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and multiple exposure as well as abstraction, but it is not the main focus of my photographic style. To say that I feel like I’m running with the big guns carrying a water pistol is about the size of it, but I do like a challenge and I thoroughly enjoy the supportive nature of this group of photographers and the candid feedback and critiques.
What is the group working on?
As a group we have landed on exploring liminal spaces. I first crossed paths with this term photographically when I read Sean Tucker’s book The Meaning in the Making. In his book he uses the term liminal space as a metaphor which describes the “in-between moments in life where old identities dissolve and new ones emerge”. When traversing these transitional spaces there is a sense that individuals are suspended between what was and what will be - this results in an opportunity for reflection and a re-evaluation of self if one is open to this. As a result there is an opportunity for growth and new creative direction as well.
A pathway symbolizing liminal space. (EXIF data f4, 1/400s, 120mm, ISO100, -1.0EV)
In a more literal sense liminal spaces are often thought of as portals for transitional spaces between two different spaces or states and there is often a sense of unfamiliarity or unease associated with these spaces. Think of a tunnel entryway (going from the light to the dark) or even people on a bus looking out the window at people on the outside - the interpretation can be very broad which makes this an interesting and yet difficult subject to explore.
Starting Point
Our starting point has been a discussion about liminal spaces and what they mean to us - coming up with some descriptions of the types of images that we see representing these transitional spaces. We then set about exploring these types of images in our photography - nothing was off limits and no technique or editing style was discouraged - this was a pure creative/playful exploration. We’re not even sure what this collaboration is going to look like at the end, but it is a very organic and evolving collective working session.
A multiple exposure liminal space image depicting the chaos of construction. (EXIF data iPhone image).
What I have really enjoyed is coming back together as a group and sharing what we’ve explored - some of the images are more sketch images meaning that they embody a concept that may not have worked out just yet, but in being able to explain what we’re envisioning or thinking is helpful to work this out. It creates a platform to explore and allow concepts to take shape as we work through these ideas.
A liminal space concept that didn’t quite work out, but I am continuing to play with it. (EXIF data f4.5, 1/500s, 200mm, ISO200).
I’ve brought forward a few images that I have played with and some have worked out while others have not. I don’t see it as a failure, but rather a way to explore this idea and find new ways of expressing what I see and feel inside. For me right now liminal spaces are about the chaos I feel inside going through this renovation, so it makes sense that my images reflect those feelings of transition and uncertainty.
Where to next?
I’ve started to explore some not quite so literal expressions of the chaos of renovations and the liminal space I feel that I am existing in currently. I have found that as I explore the idea of transitional spaces or transitional states of mind that I am seeing them all over the place. A doorway in shadow or a hallway leading to a distant lighted space - there are transitions all around us if we care to interpret them that way.
I have been thinking of taking a camera with me on an urban walk downtown to see what sorts of liminal spaces I can find as I think this will help me to move away from the typical images that I’ve been making so far. I’d like to focus on some multiple exposures and use texture to really bring out the transitional nature of the space - who knows where this will lead me.
I’ll do an update post in a few months when we’ve had more time to explore and collaborate, but until then I’ll keep playing with the images I’ve made and look for new ones.
I’d also like to thank my three co-collaborators who generously shared some of their images for this blog post. It is so important and rewarding to find creative people to share the journey.
Have you ever experienced being in a liminal state such as a big move or a new job, relationship or even working through something difficult that leads to emotional or mental growth? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below or feel free to reach out to me directly by clicking on the Connect With Me Button.
I went back to that mossy log and played with my framing some more to create this liminal space image. (EXIF data f16, 1/300s, 200mm, ISO64, -1.3 EV).
I hope you’ll come back soon, share a cuppa, relax and enjoy more of my musings.
