Jean Morrison Phillips Photography Show at Santa Barbara Central Library Features Exquisitely Detailed Work

A stunning series of art photography by Jean Morrison Phillips is on view at the Faulkner Gallery throughout the month of November. With subtly beautiful technique created with an alternative process she has developed for handmade prints over silver leaf, Phillips’ show — Subtleties of Place: Quiet Observations 700 Feet or 7,000 Miles from Home — features work from her series, Silver Linings, Traces of Splendor, and Traces of Serenity.

“These images transport you across the globe, bridging the gap between cultures and showcasing the universal pursuit of the beautiful,” says Donna Dufault, a collector of Phillips’ work. “This show will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the world’s exquisite details.”

“These prints, meticulously crafted on handmade khadi paper with layers of genuine silver leaf and Japanese conservation tissue, possess a unique depth and subtle sheen that needs to be seen in person.” says Phillips of her work. She explains that her printing technique starts with printing the photos onto specialized transfer film, taking multiple steps to create a smooth surface and then laying down silver leaf. “The last step in preparing the paper is to place a layer of very thin tengucho conservation tissue over the silver and gently attach it with matte medium. Once the transfer film is dry and the paper is ready, I spread an even coat of transfer medium on the film and gently burnish it on top of the tissue and metal leaf.” She then peels off the film and applies special wax to protect the image. The results are fascinating.

Images in the Traces of Splendor and Traces of Serenity series are from Thailand. From walking quiet side streets to visiting impressive Buddhist religious sites, she was repeatedly drawn into small parts of the scenes around her and felt a kinship with the unseen makers who had created them, 

Whether working in her own neighborhood or far from home, Phillips draws our gaze to the hidden treasures of our world and the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and tantalizing textures that often hide in plain sight.

Subtleties of Place: Quiet Observations 700 Feet or 7,000 Miles from Home is on view at Faulkner Gallery at the Santa Barbara Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. November 1-20. The opening reception is Thursday, November 2 from 5:30-8 p.m. For more information, see jeanmorrison.com/show.