Veil of Shadows
by Sara Rice
9” x 9”
Matted and Framed
Artist Biography:
Sara Rice is an accomplished analog black-and-white photographer specializing in the intricate art of Mordançage. With a deep commitment to her craft, Sara processes and prints each piece by hand, bringing a timeless, tactile quality to her work. Her meticulous approach and dedication to the darkroom process allow her to create evocative images that blend technical mastery with artistic expression, breathing life into each print.
Artist Statement:
As an analog black-and-white photographer, I strive to capture the fleeting, fragile beauty of the world around us. My work, especially through the process of Mordançage, is deeply rooted in the exploration of transformation and decay, reflecting the tension between resilience and vulnerability. Through this process, I aim to reveal hidden layers of emotion and meaning, celebrating imperfections as a natural and essential part of life.
Each piece I create is meticulously crafted by hand, from processing to printing, allowing me to maintain an intimate connection with my art. This hands-on approach gives me the freedom to shape every detail, transforming raw materials into timeless expressions of light, shadow, and texture. My motivation comes from a desire to preserve moments of humanity—those small, fleeting interactions that speak volumes—and to create images that transcend time, evoking emotions that resonate long after the viewer has looked away.
About:
My images are part of the same cohesive body of work, captured in a studio in downtown Los Angeles in 2023. This series is deeply personal, rooted in my exploration of fragility, beauty, and transformation through the delicate process of Mordançage. The controlled studio environment allowed me to shape the light and atmosphere, emphasizing the textures and contrasts that are central to this body of work. Each photograph was carefully composed to evoke a sense of timelessness, with an emphasis on layering and depth to reveal the vulnerability beneath the surface.
The final appearance of these images is the result of a meticulous, hands-on process. After developing the black-and-white film, I used the alternative process of Mordançage to manipulate the emulsion, creating rich textures, veils, and ethereal distortions. This technique allows me to emphasize the transformative qualities of my subjects, highlighting the tension between decay and renewal. The prints were then processed and hand-printed in the darkroom, ensuring that every detail aligns with my vision.
I chose to pursue this genre of photography because of its ability to communicate deeply emotional and tactile experiences. Analog photography, particularly with Mordançage, connects me to the physicality of the medium—it’s as much about the process as it is the final image. By working with my hands, I’m able to bring a sense of authenticity and intimacy to my work that feels increasingly rare in the digital age.
Through this body of work, I aim to capture the fleeting beauty of impermanence, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on the delicate balance between strength and fragility. This series is not just about the subjects or the technique—it’s about storytelling through visual poetry, preserving the ephemeral moments that speak to the core of our shared humanity.
Veil of Shadows
by Sara Rice
9” x 9”
Matted and Framed
Artist Biography:
Sara Rice is an accomplished analog black-and-white photographer specializing in the intricate art of Mordançage. With a deep commitment to her craft, Sara processes and prints each piece by hand, bringing a timeless, tactile quality to her work. Her meticulous approach and dedication to the darkroom process allow her to create evocative images that blend technical mastery with artistic expression, breathing life into each print.
Artist Statement:
As an analog black-and-white photographer, I strive to capture the fleeting, fragile beauty of the world around us. My work, especially through the process of Mordançage, is deeply rooted in the exploration of transformation and decay, reflecting the tension between resilience and vulnerability. Through this process, I aim to reveal hidden layers of emotion and meaning, celebrating imperfections as a natural and essential part of life.
Each piece I create is meticulously crafted by hand, from processing to printing, allowing me to maintain an intimate connection with my art. This hands-on approach gives me the freedom to shape every detail, transforming raw materials into timeless expressions of light, shadow, and texture. My motivation comes from a desire to preserve moments of humanity—those small, fleeting interactions that speak volumes—and to create images that transcend time, evoking emotions that resonate long after the viewer has looked away.
About:
My images are part of the same cohesive body of work, captured in a studio in downtown Los Angeles in 2023. This series is deeply personal, rooted in my exploration of fragility, beauty, and transformation through the delicate process of Mordançage. The controlled studio environment allowed me to shape the light and atmosphere, emphasizing the textures and contrasts that are central to this body of work. Each photograph was carefully composed to evoke a sense of timelessness, with an emphasis on layering and depth to reveal the vulnerability beneath the surface.
The final appearance of these images is the result of a meticulous, hands-on process. After developing the black-and-white film, I used the alternative process of Mordançage to manipulate the emulsion, creating rich textures, veils, and ethereal distortions. This technique allows me to emphasize the transformative qualities of my subjects, highlighting the tension between decay and renewal. The prints were then processed and hand-printed in the darkroom, ensuring that every detail aligns with my vision.
I chose to pursue this genre of photography because of its ability to communicate deeply emotional and tactile experiences. Analog photography, particularly with Mordançage, connects me to the physicality of the medium—it’s as much about the process as it is the final image. By working with my hands, I’m able to bring a sense of authenticity and intimacy to my work that feels increasingly rare in the digital age.
Through this body of work, I aim to capture the fleeting beauty of impermanence, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on the delicate balance between strength and fragility. This series is not just about the subjects or the technique—it’s about storytelling through visual poetry, preserving the ephemeral moments that speak to the core of our shared humanity.
