Claire Tupman Photographic Art

1. What got you started in micro photography?

I had always wanted a microscope and love the idea of another world which exists on a microscopic level. I started off looking at the difference between a sugar solution and a saline solution. I then saw a picture created from Ascorbic acid (Pure vitamin C) where someone had used polarisers to bring out the mesmerising colours. It was too hypnotic for me, but I thought “What would my solution look like with polarisers?” This was my starting point which I have never looked back from.

2. How long does the slide last for?

This was a great question. Due to the mixture within the solution, it can degrade very quickly. So as soon as they are made, I have to photograph them within 24 hours to get the best results. Any longer than that, mould patches can start to grow from natural mould and dust particles occurring in the atmosphere.

3. Have you ever reversed the polarising field?

Yes, I have! It produces images void of colour leaving strong, geometric images with muted tones like these.

4. Is that a leaf/ geological specimen?

My images were particularly appealing to anyone with a scientific background (or maybe it’s because I am so passionate about science?!) There was plenty of discussion around if my images where sections taken from botanical or geological specimens when in fact they are just varying solutions dried onto a glass slide.

5. What magnification do you shoot on?

I shoot on x40 magnification. I need a minimum of 6 images up to 20 images with a range of focal lengths to make one composite image. If I shot on anything else, it would mean I would be working with 100’s of images which would make my work more technical than art.

6. Can you reproduce the images?

Once the image has been created, I save composite images to file. The image can be reprinted unless it is a limited edition. Once the edition run has been reached, the image cannot be reproduced again. However, no slide can ever be reproduced once the slide has been washed. Once it is washed the image is gone forever.

7. So, are you a scientist then?

I have a degree in Applied biology but not in art or photography. I have always had a love of all three subjects, so this is a perfect outlet for my creativity. I have discussed the link between science and art in another blog here.

8. Which is your favourite piece?

This is a hard one. My art is continually evolving. One day I can discover something truly beautiful in neon colours and the next, it is far more subdued, abstract, and calming. To find out more about colour therapy read my blog here. What I can say, is no piece is the same and that’s what makes it so exciting!

9. Why did you call it that?

Art is subjective and so is the title of every image I sell. The name I give a piece can come from the colours I see or the image as a whole and I will often use names inspired with a Greek or Latin origin which can really help with the story around the piece.

I had some wonderful discussions on what some people saw within my images and the psychological test developed by Hermann Rorschach. So, although my work does not give an insight into your individual personality trait, it is fascinating to see what others see in my work!

10. What is the solution on the slide?

    Like the five secret spices the colonel uses; this is top secret! What I can tell you is that no concentration, heat source, or drying condition is ever the same. There is so much variation in every solution; it could never be reproduced.

    
    11. Do you look at the chemicals used in the traditional photographic process?

    No. Due to the amount of work I produce, close contact with solutions and my respect for the environment (as a biologist), the solutions I look at are common and nontoxic everyday ingredients found around the house.