Beyond the Material: At the Intersection of Glass and the Digital Image is practice-led research that investigates new modalities of artistic practice in which digital images are realised as activated objects and immersive installations in glass. Following two parallel lines of research inquiry: one image-led and the other form-led, I examine new ways glass can intersect with digital images to extend our understanding of their interdisciplinary potential. Commencing with the deconstruction of my existing studio practice, this research charts the journey of reconfiguring it anew with a more expansive interdisciplinary approach to the intersection of glass and the digital image, embodied by their shared activation of light, space and time.
"Drawing on her background in photography and studio glass, Kate Baker uses imagery and video with unexpected compositions of the body. By cropping out faces and abstracting the image she is questioning our perceptions of how we recognise the emotions held within our physicality. Baker is interested in focusing on moments of connection between the physical, psychological and emotional strata of the human environment. She suggests that the body is a container for our inner feelings, thoughts and imagination, the unknowable and unseeable. Drawing from her own experience, Baker overlays images, surface treatments and text, as well as other highly personal information including years of technical process notes, which may appear as ambiguous scribbles to the viewer. This narrative acts as a reminder to the artist of the importance of her conceptual and technical processes referencing her internal struggles with the separation of artistic vision, making and daily life. Through the reflective and translucent qualities inherent to glass, the viewer is offered the opportunity to become actively involved in the works which change as you move within the space. This interaction highlights how we co-exist with others and what motivates the emotional ties that we make." - Aimee Frodsham, Artistic Director, Canberra Glassworks
Kate Baker is a contemporary Australian artist whose practice merges photo, print and moving image technologies with studio glass. Drawing on her background in photography and studio glass, Sydney based artist Kate Baker integrates complex techniques and industrial processes. Using imagery and video with unexpected compositions of the body, Baker often starts by photographing or drawing her own children, reflecting on personal connections of instinct and unconditional love. By cropping out faces and abstracting the image she is questioning our perceptions of how we recognise the emotions held within our physicality. Baker is interested in focusing on moments of connection between the physical, psychological and emotional strata of the human environment. She suggests that the body is a container for our inner feelings, thoughts and imagination, the unknowable and unseeable. Drawing from her own experience, Baker overlays images, surface treatments and text, as well as other highly personal information including years of technical process notes, which may appear as ambiguous scribbles to the viewer. This narrative acts as a reminder to the artist of the importance of her conceptual and technical processes referencing her internal struggles with the separation of artistic vision, making and daily life. Through the use of mirror and other reflective surfaces the viewer is offered the opportunity to become actively involved in the works which change as you move within the space. This interaction highlights how we co-exist with others and what motivates the emotional ties that we make. A Ph.D. Candidate at the Australian National University School of Art and Design, Baker’s research explores new ways digital imagery can be realised as activated objects and environments, through the materiality of glass. Baker’s work has been widely exhibited both nationally and internationally including at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC, the Corning Museum of Glass, New York, the Toyama Museum of Glass, Japan, the Palm Springs Art Museum, California, the New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe and the Glass Biennale, Venice, Italy. Both a finalist and winner of national and international art prizes, scholarships and grants, her artworks are featured in museums globally.
Kate Baker is a Higher Degree by Research Candidate, completing her Doctor of Philosophy.