Zia Ayub’s portfolio Winter was a 2024 Rfotofolio Selection. We are pleased to share her work and words on Rfotofolio.
Would you please tell us about yourself?
My journey as a Fine Art Photographer began in 1991. I attended Clark University, the Art Institute of Boston, the New England School of Photography, and the Center for Alternative Photography. During the years of my studies, I became fascinated with Pictorial Photography. Although I had formal training in alternative photographic processes of the 19th Century, working with the process fell short of my expectations, and I was not ready to abandon printing in Silver Gelatin. I wanted to find my identity, my vision.
After many years of research and trial and error, in 2003, I discovered an alternative approach by altering the basic chemistry (paper developer, stop bath, and fixer) of the Silver Gelatin print that gave the look of an impressionist style, with soft focus, and warm tonalities of the image. I was now making unique one-of-a-kind prints that had an alternative approach that expressed my vision.
Who has had an influence on your creative process?
As for photographers, I would have to say, Julia Margaret Cameron, Alvin Langdon Coburn, and Edward Steichen. Their work resembles painting. The main source of my inspiration comes from paintings and drawings. Artists like Rembrandt, Eugene Carriere, and William Turner to name of few.
Please tell us about an image (not your own) that has inspired you?
This is a difficult question to answer now, referring to a photographer. I have to say the images of Julia Margaret Cameron but no one image of her that I can think of.
Is there an image that you wish you would have taken and can you still see it?
Nothing comes to mind.
Please tell us about the work you submitted to The Rfotofolio Call?
The project is called “Winter”, my favorite season of the year. I stroll in my neighborhood during the Winter and photograph the white fluffs on trees and houses. It is a beautiful sight to look at. The submitted images are Silver Gelatin prints not toned.
How do you work through times when nothing seems to work?
I consider those times to be the best of times, allowing me to pause and focus on what I enjoy the most, experimenting and discovering new ideas for printing through trial and error. It takes me out of my comfort zone.
What part of image-making do you find the most rewarding?
100% printing. I can spend days just printing, it is my happy place to make magic.
What tools have you found essential in the making of your work?
There are many but difficult to point out, perhaps my beat-up twenty-year-old Holga Camera.
Is there something in photography that you would like to try in the future?
Portraiture
How does your art affect the way you see the world?
A spiritual peace of mind by detaching yourself from the world’s craziness for a little while.
What’s on the horizon?
More experimentation.
To learn more about the work of Zia Ayub please click on her name.
Love this work and post!
Thank you for introducing me to these. They are wonderful
Thank you
Very creative indeed & a pleasure to the mind!