CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
PENUMBRA
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A graduate project submitted in partial satisfaction
of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts
in
Art
by
Carrie Baltin
January·, 1979
The Abstract of Carrie Baltin is approved:
John
California State University, Northridge
January, 1979
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ABSTRACT
PENUMBRA
by
Carrie Baltin
Master of Arts in Art
Photography allows me to abstract real experiences
into a visual format that can be shared with others.
I create an illusion of mystery with my photographs.
The elements I use in creating this illusion are select
subject matter, harsh lighting, dark shadows, scale,
a minimal amount of detail and use of a warmtone paper.
I have chosen to create anonymous environments
rather than the familiar because anonymous environments
leave questions unanswered.
It is my belief that our
sensibilities are further heightened under the circumstance of question rather than of the obvious.
Light is the most important factor within my
photographs.
Repeatedly it is employed to arouse the
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viewer's interest into the realm of the unknown.
Light
is utilized as a revealing source of information in the
photograph itself.
A cold abstraction of form is estab-
lished by its illumination.
The mood of the photograph
is thus dependent upon the source of the light itself.
Since light is capable of creating a sense of the
mysterious, often the familiar appears in strange unexpected context rather than what we would expect to
normally see.
Another factor within the composition of these
photographs is the interdependence between opposites.
Harsh lighting is used in contrast to dark shadows.
The light from within the picture plane is in direct
conflict with the outside illumination.
Space is
dramatically altered as a result of the light's abstraction.
The absence of light can also create a
feeling of intrigue as it eliminates detail.
It is this lack of detail that is the strength
behind this imagery.
Therefore the viewer is faced
with filling this void created by the lack of information.
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Another element used in creating this illusion
of mystery is the use of the small scale format.
It
is an important factor in that it is a vital tool in
focusing the viewer's attention into the photograph
itself.
Obviously the viewer is not capable of enter-
ing the photograph but it is my desire to draw his
a·ttention as close as possible into the environment
created within the photographic frame.
The small scale
format helps to establish an intimate relationship
between the viewer and the photograph, as he is required to move in closer to view the imagery.
'I'he concluding element within these photographs
is the uniformity of the subject matter.
This uni-
formity further establishes the prevailing mood of
the series.
It has been my desire to express the illusion of
reality throughout this series.
The feeling of the
unknown and of the mysterious is experienced by all of
us at one time or another.
Through photographic means
I have been able to create anonymous environments
which best describe my personal feelings toward the
unknown.
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