Introducing Joni Sternbach and her retro-tech revival of photo processes from the mid-late 1800s. Training her lens on the austere beauty of particular landscapes and seascapes -- with and without figures (she has a soft spot for surfers, see below) Sternbach has been making ambrotypes and tintypes (unique photographs -- not prints!) since 2000.
From the Abandoned Series:
These first two images from her Abandoned series are ambrotypes which are thin glass negatives shown against a black ground to appear as a positive (these are often backed on black velvet or by painting the back of the glass negative with black lacquer). A super popular technique from 1850 to 1890.
More from Abandoned below, but tintypes.
Tintypes are similar to ambrotypes, in that the image is a negative that appears positive against a black background, but instead of glass, the negative is captured on a thin, black-enameled, iron plate.
Here are a few from her Surfers series:
Inquiries? Please contact the artist directly via email or take a look at her work available at these two galleries Kenise Barnes Fine Art (Larchmont, NY) and Edward Cella Art + Architecture (Santa Barbara, CA where a show of Joni's work opens Nov 10!)
Know any artists whose work would make a home a lovelier place? Send ideas to The Gallery. Thanks!
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I love these! I am speechless- they are beautiful.
view lorijo's profile
Has anybody found out the prices? Hopefully we won't be stuck admiring them from afar rather than admiring them in our living room.
view kleru's profile
I did some design work for Joni a few years ago, and I must say that her work is even more stunning in person.
Kleru, these prices are likely a bit out of date, but you can get an general idea here. Don't hesitate to contact Joni or her reps directly through her website, of course...
Also, if anyone is interested in further pursuing historic photographic/printing techniquer, I recommend getting in touch with the Center for Alternative and Historic Processes and looking into their amazing workshops!
view Anna at D16's profile
these are stunning...
view Jess2nola's profile
I think I saw her studio during a Gowanus Art Show. They really made an impression, I remember them very clearly right now.
view minerva's profile
Love love love. Want want want. I actually need them. Will now go to check prices--and probably then to weep. . . .
view Aulaire's profile
I got a nice note from her gallery in Santa Barbara... the unique tintypes are appropriately pricey - $4000, and come all beautifully framed and protected. it looks like she does offer some of her work in editions/prints... like the oceanscapes (with no figures). good luck aulaire! I'll try and keep looking for artists well within reach of more modest budgets too....
view amy's profile
Thanks, Amy.
sigh
Lottery win?
sigh
view Aulaire's profile