Getting To Know: Jane Linders.
Tell us a little about yourself and your creations
My name is Jane Linders and I am a photographer who specializes in alternative process photography, such as Polaroid transfers, emulsion lifts, cyanotypes and black and white infrared photography. You can see examples of my photography by visiting my website.
What is your favorite piece of your own?
My favorite piece is a 6 part Polaroid transfer titled, “Jesus Was an Only Son” and features images of statues from historical Bellefontaine and Calvary cemetery in north St. Louis. These transfers are arranged in the shape of a cross. I call it my “miracle piece”, because it’s difficult enough to get one Polaroid transfer to turn out right, but to get 6 images all on one piece of watercolor paper is nearly impossible. I needed an extra pair of hands to complete the piece and my daughter helped me print the piece just before she left for college, so I have fond memories of working together with her in my kitchen.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere, not just from photography. My favorite artist is Christo because of the temporary nature of his large scale projects. I attend the Burning man festival every year and find inspiration in the temporary installations out on the playa. I am influenced by the photography of William Eggleston, Stephen Shore, and Henri Cartier-Bresson, but find myself increasingly influenced from literary sources and music as well.
Explain your art- what exactly is it you do?
My current passion is an alternative process called Polaroid Transfers. Each transfer is handmade using specific materials and equipment to achieve a desired effect. A transparency is projected on to professional Polaroid print film and as development begins, the print and chemicals are prematurely separated. The images are transferred on to dampened watercolor paper for a unique image which has a dated, artistic photo-painting appearance. Exposure, development, time, and paper choice make each print an original mono- print.
What is your favorite project you’ve finished so far?
My favorite project I’ve finished so far has nothing to do with photography. I made a periodic table coffee table out of fired clay. Each tile was cut, stamped with the chemical symbol and atomic number, fired and hand colored. It was a wedding present for a colleague.
Where to find Jane Linders
My studio is a bricks n mortar store at Soulard Art Market, 2028 South 12th Street, St. Louis, MO. I also sell photos around town at Cranky Yellow and Subterranean Books. I am busy selling my photography on the local St. Louis art fair circuit as well.
