Photographer Helena Palazzi
We would like to congratulate Helena Palazzi on her achievement of placing as a Finalist in the 4th Edition!
WHO ARE YOU?
My name is Helena Palazzi. I was born and raised in Lund, a small town in the south of Sweden, in 1968. My father; a teacher in math and science, had immigrated from Italy in the late ’50s. My mother, also a teacher, was and is an amazing artist and she passed along her love for the arts to both my sister and I.
I grew up drawing, painting, writing, playing several instruments, and sometimes around my 17th birthday, I got my hands on a secondhand Nikon Fm2 and a black and white darkroom that was installed in the garage. Through the local library and other photographers, I began learning the trade.
With a thirst for inspiration, my journey took me to my father’s homeland, Italy, in 1993. Weaving upon a loom of childhood summers spent there, I, alongside a group of other young photographers, founded a photographic studio in Perugia, Umbria, and enrolled in the Academy of Fine Arts. Less than two years later, my first solo exhibition opened in Perugia, followed by a number of years filled with group and solo exhibits around Europe. The many events showcased my works of mixed media and traditional photography. It was a crazy beautiful time.
In 1998 I landed in NYC to pursue a career in commercial photography. The visuals of the fashion and beauty industries exerted a strong pull and became my main focus for over 20 years; working alongside world-renowned clients and talent.
In 2019 I made Kingston, upstate NY, my home together with my daughter, husband, and cat. I opened my commercial and fine art studio Yellow House production. This move out of the city enabled me to finally engage in more art projects while still welcoming a commercial clientele.
“Found #2” (Winning Work)
By Helena Palazzi
Encaustic photograph on cradled wood board
What inspired you to begin working in photography?
When I began taking pictures, digital technology was still many years away. I had to truly learn, not only, how the camera worked but also darkroom techniques and printing. I immediately loved the whole process; f stop, depth of field, ISO, film developing, printing, choice of photo paper, etc, and how all those elements together could and would completely change the mood in an image. Most of the time we walk around not paying much attention to our surroundings but with the camera, in my hand, I realized I would slow down a bit and start to really look and by doing so have the chance to create an amazing story in a single frame.
“Näcken” (English translation: shapeshifter)
“A dangerous creature inhabiting freshwater, the näck plays the fiddle to lure his victims out onto thin ice or in a leaky boat, then draws them to their doom at the bottom of the lake, where he lies in wait. He is also a shapeshifter who may take the form of a horse or a man in order to draw unsuspecting prey to him.”
By Helena Palazzi-Catenacci
Encaustic photograph on cradled wood board
Can you explain why you choose photography as a medium for your work and voice as opposed to others?
When I attended the Academy of Fine Arts I studied painting and I love to paint. In fact, as of late I have rediscovered and added painting to my visual expression but there is something about the camera that just works for me. Perhaps it’s the instant caption of an image or the fact that I can “hide” myself behind the lens. Photography has a unique ability to still time and allows me the role of the narrator.
“Others no. 1”
“Swedish folklore is ripe with tales of non-human “other”
By Helena Palazzi
Encaustic photograph, acrylic paint on cradled wood board
Can you discuss the inspiration behind “Found 2”?
Found #2 is playful and mysterious and a little bit scary; inspired by Scandinavian folklore tales and ballads that I grew up reading and hearing as a child. She is full of wisdom, history, and her own stories to tell.
“Skogsra”
“Forest spirit. A beautiful female representing impossible or forbidden love”
By Helena Palazzi
Encaustic photograph, oil colour and embedded dry flowers on cradled wood board
Can you tell us about the person in Found 2?
In Found #2, the person was photographed a few years ago for a different project and was rediscovered when I began working on my “Enchanted” series about a year ago.
“Huldra" No. 1” (English translation - Forest woman)
“A dangerous, forest dwelling seductress”
By Helena Palazzi
Archival inkjet print
Your photography strikes as a flashback in time, can you walk us through how you achieve this?
I have always loved archival photographs, old books, and drawings and I purposefully use my techniques to make my photos take on that antiquated look and feel. A bit blurry and out of focus; Leaving room for interpretations and imagination.
I constantly and continuously play with layers and textures, shadows and highlights, and contrasts. When I, a few years ago, discovered printing on rice paper and applying encaustic medium it opened up a new world of expression besides the “creation” of the actual photograph.
On one end my pictures are printed on a very sensitive paper and could easily be destroyed with a simple drop of water; not to mention time itself. On the other hand, the encaustic medium, which has been around since the 5th century B.C, adds its own texture and form of expression and also acts as a protective shield against it.
Once I apply the encaustic medium I feel like the images take on a life of their own that extends outside of the actual print. I also deeply enjoy the idea of tradition, durability, and the tactile experience that otherwise is absent with photography.
“Skymmning no. 3” (English translation: dusk - the transition from day to night)
By Helena Palazzi
Encaustic photograph, acrylic paint on cradled wood board
What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?
Right now I am taking a little break. On July 1st I opened my solo exhibition “Enchanted” at Barnfox in Kingston, NY for which I worked non-stop to get ready in time. It will be up until August 12th. Once I have caught my breath a little I will continue my textural and mystical explorations.
“Bewitched no.2”
By Helena Palazzi
Encaustic photograph, oil and acrylic on cradled wood board
Lastly, I would like to ask what advice you would give to your fellow artists/photographers?
This is a world full of rejections and even if they tell you not to take it personally it is hard not to. You feel elated one moment and like a complete failure the next but deep down, if you can’t stop creating and you can’t see yourself doing anything else. Keep on. Just keep on doing what you are doing.
Do you. Be brave. Be patient.
To view more of Helena Palazzi work