Asheville News

Castell Photography opens newest exhibition, ‘Finding Her Place: 16 Chapters’

Jason Sandford September 24, 2010

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Press release here:

Castell Photography is pleased to announce the opening of their newest exhibition, Finding Her Place:16 Chapters, a series of photographs by gallery owner and working artist Brie Castell.

This body of work began with an actual book, Finding Her Place, written by Howe Benning in the late 19th century. The publisher, the Religious Tract Society (founded in 1799), was a major British publisher which published Christian evangelical literature in the form of tracts, periodicals, and books which were mostly aimed at children, women, and the poor. In Finding Her Place: Sixteen Chapters, the actual book has been the inspiration for literally every element of the show.

The first step was transforming the original book into a pinhole camera. This idea of actually using the book as camera is essential to the overall concept. Each image is made one at a time on black and white 4×5 sheet film, and exposures range roughly from two to four minutes. Images are shot in a vertical format, making reference to a book page. All sixteen chapters are represented: the first and last chapters with a single silver gelatin image, and the middle chapters as fourteen hand-sewn silver gelatin diptychs. This sequencing creates the illusion of a visual “book” on the wall.

The opening reception for Finding Her Place: 16 Chapters will be Friday, October 1st, from 5 to 8 p.m, coinciding with the downtown Art Walk. Light hors d’oeuvres and wine will be provided. The show will remain on exhibit through November 27th.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Reception tonight at Studio 103 in Black Mountain for Ben Betsalel

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7 Comments

Heidi September 30, 2010

I'd be willing to bet Brie's pinhole photographs have never seen photoshop, & the "blurriness" that you're referring to is likely distortion caused by the pinhole camera.

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Asheville Dweller September 29, 2010

Its Asheville, the land of Warm and fuzzies everyone wants to make nice and kiss some ass or pat on the back no matter how shoddy so call "Art" is, sorry I think for myself and call it like I see it and nothing about B/W blurry art work is creative its sooooo 2002 Emo Angsty syle . . . .

Note for the masses Photoshop is soooo overrated try taking pictures based on skill.

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Heidi September 29, 2010

Brie's work is stunning, thoughtful, and unique — a refreshing addition to the Asheville art scene. Looking forward to the opening on Friday!

Also, it must be said –excluding the ultra famous, I don't think many artists out there are "getting their asses kissed constantly". That'd be nice…..

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Heidi September 29, 2010

Brie's work is stunning and original — can't wait for the opening!

Also, excluding the ultra famous, I don't think that there are many artists out there getting their asses kissed constantly.

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Asheville Dweller September 29, 2010

Like thats your real name, and if artists want to be be artists, then they need thicker skin and get used to people not kissing there ass constantly.

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Brie Castell September 28, 2010

Wow, big statement coming from someone who doesn't have the spine to use his real name.

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Asheville Dweller September 27, 2010

Look more blurry B/W photography, just as origiinal as everyone else . . . .

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