Modern Deck for Alchemical Discovery

Alchemy is a tradition that predates chemistry. It has been practiced across geographical and cultural boundaries. A sort of potion-based magic, alchemy was practiced to transmute metals into gold, create elixirs of immortality, and above all, purify the human body and soul. The elements, primarily fire, water, metal, air, and earth, were blended and manipulated in acts of medieval experimentation. More recently, alchemy resurfaced as a medium for surrealists to express the boundlessness of consciousness and the possibilities of the elemental realm.

Seeking refuge in the darkroom, I worked to physically integrate the elements into the film negatives. What resulted was a 14 card alchemical divination deck. The darkroom is a liminal space, a vacuum far removed from our daily lives. It is what a modern alchemist might consider a sacred temple of experimentation. Using light, time, metals, fibers, and water we are able to summon images into existence. The images I’ve created capture what elements and powers I hold most sacred.