Structure of Thought 6a and 6b, Mike and Doug Starn, courtesy 20×200.
20×200 released two bonus limited edition prints last month from Mike and Doug Starn as a benefit for Blind Spot. I was fortunate enough to be at my desk and online when both prints became available and managed to snag one of each.
The prints were sold separately, but the two images were conceived as a single, layered piece. Structure of Thought 6a is printed on a vellum paper and lays on top of Structure of Thought 6b. Both are interesting images in their own right, but the full effect of the layered combination is really beautiful. Unfortunately my photograph of the framed version doesn’t do it justice; I matted it with just a small amount of space between the two layers to allow light in. The translucent vellum is slightly rippled which creates shadows and distortions in the background. It’s a great piece.
As with any art that I’m really excited about, having a chance to experience this up close is really inspiring. The work takes on a dimensionality that doesn’t exist in standard prints. I don’t think that this particular method would work for my photographs, but the idea that a work on paper doesn’t have to be a simple flat object is intriguing and something I want to play around with.
