At a time where most photographs are made digitally, Barbara Eberhard continues to investigate photographic processes that originated in the 19th century with a diligent fervor that regularly yields imagery that is graceful and intimate while transcending time. Recently, The COMP Magazine caught up with Eberhard in Joliet, Illinois to discuss her ongoing fascination with seemingly antiquated alternative processes, the focus of her photographic investigations, her role as an educator, and her longtime devotion to the image making process.
Barbara Eberhard, Gum in the Garden #10, n.d.
You’ve been making photographs for quite some time. Can we start with a little background? Perhaps, you can share with us an early experience that piqued your interest in the photographic medium.
From as far back as I remember I have always loved photography. When I was young I would create tableaus with my friends to photograph. Another time I had my friends recreate their best Betty Davis face for me to photograph. At some point in my life I realized I “saw” photographs, which means I was always composing in my mind the photo I would take, had I a camera with me. And so now, I never leave home without one. Trying to “see” a photograph is a good exercise budding photographers need to work on.
You regularly work with alternative processes, specifically the gum bichromate process that originated in the late 19th century. What do you value in this seemingly antiquated process? Do you see any difference in your approach to image making from that when you work digitally?
Gum Bichromate is a very meditative, hands-on process, manipulating and “creating” an image, rather than simply recording it. While working laboriously on a print, layer-by-layer, day-by-day, I become intimate with the image as it ingrains upon my mind, eyes, hands and heart. Each print is an original. It is the experience of having the artist’s hand in the creation. Working in Gum is much more rewarding as is working in the darkroom with gelatin silver prints. There is nothing more exciting then to see my students’ faces light up when they print their first image.
Barbara Eberhard, No Exit, n.d.
I notice that you organize your series focused upon a specific topic (e.g., street, garden, etc.). Can you offer an introduction to how you assemble and investigate a series of photography?
I do create random Gum prints, but for me working on a series gives me focus. I guess that was the way I was taught. Many times I choose my series because of one image I shot and become intrigued with the idea of how else I could show that same thought. Example- My “Alternate View” series. I was on a train traveling in Canada and it was raining outside. I started taking pictures through the window; the trails of rainwater spoke to me like tears falling down a cheek. So I continued that series finding other windows that “spoke” to me in different ways.
Barbara Eberhard, Window 3, n.d.
Barbara Eberhard, Taxi, n.d.
The Gum in the Garden series came about after my husband was diagnosed with cancer. As an avid gardener, I watched my flowers die, and thought that I could immortalize them. So I created still lives with them in hopes that even in death they could show their beauty.
Barbara Eberhard, Gum in the Garden #8, n.d.
The series – Gum in the Streets has been an ongoing theme for me as long as I can remember. In this world bustling with people and all forms of communication, we are still alone, alone in the midst…
Barbara Eberhard, The Kiss, n.d.
Barbara Eberhard, New York Diner, n.d.
Gummin’ It Up – what I feel is a sense of humor in the image.
Barbara Eberhard, Five Guys, n.d.
What do you value in the photographic process?
The value that I place on photography is the ability to capture a decisive moment of time.
What are you presently working upon?
Currently I am beginning to create Gum prints of my series “ I Pledge Allegiance.” These are images in which the United States flag is somehow depicted. I have been shooting for this project for years. Plus some odds and ends for group exhibits coming up in the near future.
You are also an educator. Can you share with us any specific practices or conceptual frameworks that you regularly impart to your students?
One of my “thoughts for the day” I always share with students is that you need to be idle and let your mind wander to obtain some creative ideas. Those creative thoughts will not come if all you are doing is texting, tweeting, etc. 24/7. Also engage in real conversations with the people you are with. Aside- I love teaching and always knew my calling in life was to teach.
What’s on the horizon? Do you have any upcoming exhibitions or projects set for the remainder of 2016?
This summer I am in a group exhibit at Lewis University and at Union Street Gallery. I recently became a part of Chicago Society of Artists, which will have group shows in the Chicagoland area. One of my images will be in the October issue of Black and White. Looking ahead to 2017, a show at the Hugh N. Ronald Gallery at Arts Place in Portland, Indiana. I keep plugging along ….and enjoying every moment.
Barbara Eberhard, West 62nd, NYC, n.d.
For additional information on the photography projects of Barbara Eberhard, please visit:
Barbara Eberhard – www.barbaraeberhard.com
Alternative Photography – http://www.alternativephotography.com/wp/gallery-by-process/gum-tricolor-photographers/barbara-eberhard
Interview by Chester Alamo-Costello
