"Prints In Pieces: Views of South County"

Frances Borchardt's Solo Exhibit of Photographs Displayed in Printers' Type Cases: "Prints In Pieces: Views of South County" 
July 8 - August 1, 2011 

Opening Reception & Meet the Artist featuring a bluegrass performance by The Higher Ground String Band: 
Thursday, July 14, 6:30 – 8:00 pm

"West River Sunrise" 

Frances Borchardt captures the people and places along Maryland’s Western Shore with her camera, but a simple photograph is only the beginning of her artistic process. She dissects photographs into mosaic-like pieces, which are then strategically positioned into empty printers’ type cases to create an intriguing display of repetitions and patterns. 

 While Borchardt photographs everyday places in and around her rural hometown south of Annapolis, her unusual method of display truly sets her work apart. She seeks to “capture the spirit of a place” in her multiple image montages, while adding a distinguishing factor that encourages viewers to take a second glance. Once the image and type case are paired, Borchardt works on placement. She orders various print sizes to accommodate the various compartment sizes. She also faces the challenge of dealing with the curve of the photograph once it’s placed into a compartment, using multiple copies to create an uninterrupted image. 

 Borchardt began her career as a fine arts photographer, but moved on to commercial photography and graphic design. She credits this career choice for her attention to form, color, texture, shape, and shadow, as well as affinity for balance and symmetry. “I pre-visualize how a work will unfold in a case,” say Borchardt. The type cases, which are purchased in antique stores or acquired from friends, dictate the placement and orientation of an image.

The Art League 
105 North Union Street | Alexandria, VA 22314
703-519-1741 x27
www.theartleague.org