Poignant Portfolio no. 44: Cathy Cone
From the Editor
The photographic art world is a place where an immense amount of skills and abilities are necessary. It takes a considerable amount of time and energy to excel in any one of them, and is one of the things that I'm constantly surprised and delighted by. It's not simply that people put so much energy into them, but those with multiple talents that stand out clearly have a passion for the medium, often rising above the fray. So, this is not the first time that the work of Cathy Cone has been on my radar, and it is for this aforementioned reason that it remains there. She embodies the work ethic, sheer talent, and creative energy that it takes to not only maintain a discerning photographic eye but also have the adjacent qualifications that make her a master printmaker. While I am highlighting a specific body of work here, a cursory look at past collections patently spells this out, and I implore you to seek her photographs out whenever possible.
Cone's latest series, Apparent Close-Up, is a set of 23 photogravures created while at a collaborative residency at the Tusen Tank Foundation in November 2022. For the sake of specificity, each has a 13 1/2" x 10" image size on 22" x 15" Copperplate natural white 300gsm paper, in an edition of six.
I find this series of self-portraits and portraits of Cone and her husband subverting the idea of portraiture itself. In each, there are barriers between viewer and subject – illustrations, drawing, overlays, and sheets of vellum with cut-out windows, providing safety and secrecy. Yet each is a window into the world of the subject, revealing only what the sitter is willing to expose. At the die time, these mask-like representations often have elements of humor and whimsy, softening the seriousness of others within the collection. All of these assemblage elements create an intriguing and introspective quality to the overall concept, and I find myself looking over them repeatedly.
Beyond these observations of Apparent Close-Up, Cone's affinity for printmaking takes equal standing in the series. These photogravures contain the luscious tones and subtlety of detail that make the photographic object something to desire and covet. Take some time to absorb these photographs and marvel at the craftsmanship they hold – you'll be glad you did.
While I have you here, let me also mention that you do have a current chance to see not only some of these works but prints from two other collections of Cone's in her exhibition, Portals & Portraits, at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center in Vermont from March 11 - June 11, 2023.
https://www.brattleboromuseum.org/2022/12/15/cathy-cone-uncommon-denominator/
Apparent Close-Up
Apparent Close-Up, is a series of twenty-three photogravures produced during a collaborative residency at the Tusen Takk Foundation in November of 2022 with my partner, master printer Jon Cone. The focus was on the portrait, something that I have been after and obsessed with for many years. I used the protective film covering the plates to cut, reveal and conceal. What transpires behind the portrait that appears is not only what surprises me but also deeply enlivens my inquiry. It’s a type of conjuring that pulsates with a psychological intensity. It’s also a way of listening visually to an inner dialogue about what it is to be human. My hope is the range of themes including memories, childhood and death live as small poems of human presence.
“Every veil I apply is a way of unveiling, getting closer to the source of truth.” ~ J. Rosen
–Cathy Cone
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About the Artist
Cathy Cone is a photographer and painter. Her surrealist approach to photography began in the late 1970’s with the introduction of the "Diana" camera. This led to investigation of experimental techniques towards a multidisciplinary approach to her poetic image making. Cathy received her training at Ohio University, Vermont Studio Center. She received her MFA at the Maine Media College. Some of her exhibitions include Weisman Art Museum, University of Alabama, DeCordova Museum, the Griffin Museum of Photography and the Vermont Center for Photography. Her works are in the collection of IBM, Hallmark Fine Art Collections, American Express, and the Beekman a Thompson Hotel, New York. Cathy with her husband, master printer Jon Cone, founded Cone Editions Press in 1980 in Port Chester, NY as a collaborative printmaking workshop. Cone Editions Press is now located in East Topsham, Vermont where Cathy is director of the Workshops and Studio.
www.cathycone.com
@Cathy_cone
About the author
Michael Kirchoff works in the worlds of both commercial and fine art photography. A commercial shooter for over thirty years, it is his fine art work that has set him apart from others, with instant film and toy camera images fueling several bodies of work. His consulting, training, and overall support of his fellow photographic artist continues with assistance in constructing one’s vision, reviewing portfolios, and finding exhibition opportunities, which fill the gaps in time away from active shooting.
Michael is also an independent curator and juror, and advocate for the photographic arts. Currently, he is also Editor-in-Chief at Analog Forever Magazine, and is the Founding Editor for the online photographer interview website, Catalyst: Interviews. Previously, Michael spent over four years as Editor at BLUR magazine.
Most recently Michael joined the Diffusion Tapes podcast as co-host.