Check out Charles Hedgcock’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Hedgcock.

Charles, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have a degree in commercial photography. I have been a professional photographer for more than 37 years, photographing in medicine, the life sciences, and fine arts. Much of that time has been spent exploring the biodiversity of the South West and Sonora Mexico. I feel that my past experience working with scientist, biologists and naturalists, as well as my commercial photography training, helps me to create a unique vision of the natural world.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I began photography in the darkroom and, the latest digital technology notwithstanding, I am always drawn back there. I still love the process performed by hand, and the traditional tools of my trade; film and archival gelatin silver prints. My early black and white work of bugs and lizards, what I like to call the charismatic microfauna, is Influenced by such masters as Karl Blossfeldt and Edward Weston. I created a body of work showing sculptural, iconic images to help viewers appreciate these small wonderful creatures.

A few years ago, adrift on the internet, in that tangential way that the web can get us lost, I discovered lumen prints. With conversations and encouragement from fellow photographic artist, Kathleen Velo, I began experimenting with the process to create a body of work about plants. I found lumen prints to be an amazing mix of alchemy and serendipity. An extremely experimental process that uses only sunlight and expired black and white photographic paper. Many hours of solar exposure cause the paper’s gelatin silver emulsion to gradually change color. After processing the paper in my darkroom, I am left with a subtle negative image of uncommon beauty.

Both of these processes allow me to create unique images that help me share the story of the natural world.

Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
The planet has definitely been taking a hit. Current policies aren’t doing much to help, in fact I’d have to say that just the opposite is true. While I don’t care much for artist to be beating viewers over the head, I do think that art can play a major role in increasing public awareness, and appreciation of, what is going on in the world around us. I’d like it very much if my artwork helped viewers stop and look around, gain a greater appreciation of the natural world.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I have my website, www.charleshedgcock.com, where your readers can go to see more examples of my work on line. I also show my work frequently. I always send out an email announcement whenever I have a show, or give an artist talk. People can email me to get put on my mailing list- and I promise not to spam them!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.charleshedgcock.com
• Email: charles@charleshedgcock.com

Image Credit:
All images Copyright Charles Hedgcock

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