Caroline Hyman
Introduction
Caroline Hyman's talent lies not only in the mastery of the photographic process, but also her own ability to inspire the subject with a poetic vision that is very much her own, maintaining her high standards coupled with exquisite grace and elegance.
Her work is widely exhibited and held in public and private collections around the world.
She is represented by The Photographers' Gallery in London where her photographs can be seen in the Print Room.
Photographer Terry O'Neil says of her work "......Stunning fresh,innovative new eye in photography - the Georgia O'Keefe of the camera...."
Caroline's philosophy
Still life has been the foremost theme of Caroline Hyman's work. From a very early age at school, where the study and collecting of wildflowers was part of the curriculum, she has had a deep love for the flora and fauna of the countryside.
In her studio there is an eclectic mix of objects that has grown over the years, some waiting to be photographed , others fading in vases from previous sessions.
Her subjects have been varied,including sun bleached animal skulls found in the desert in New Mexico, skin shed by a snake in France, fish skeletons, roots, plants, vegetables and flowers.
The images are all made on monochrome film, developed and printed by the photographer.
The processes are varied. The prints are toned in selenium,thiocarbamide or gold depending on the subject, others are then hand tinted.
Recent work has been influenced by the botanical drawings of the Victorian era.
Detailed observations of hedgerow plants, arums,wild violets, dandelions,and bluebells.The delicate beauty of wild flowers that so often go unoticed are give prominence here.
The finished prints appear simple and uncluttered . The roots and corms are seen alongside buds,seed pods, petals and leaves.
Plain backgrounds, and soft lighting emphasise the unique quality of each plant.
further information
'Portrait of a Shoot' will be published in Autumn 2010
A behind the scenes look at the traditional sport of driven pheasant and partridge shooting. The livelihoods derived from it, and the effect on conservation and wildlife.
To see more of her work visit www.carolinehymanphotos.co.uk