"Littoral drift" refers to the process in which beach material such as sand and other sediment is shifted as the waves meet the shore. 'Littoral Drift' is also the name of a project by artist Meghann Riepenhoff, which involved submerging light-sensitive paper in the sea and letting nature control the patterns produced.
The series of prints puts a spin on the way that photos are traditionally developed. Rather than taking photos for development in a darkroom, Riepenhoff created her own way of crafting a cyanotype or photographic blueprint.
Natural elements are a large part of the work Riepenhoff produces, who believes: "We seek to control and shape the environment, but at the end of the day we are very much at its whims."
Oceanic Photo Prints
'Littoral Drift' Was Created with Light-Sensitive Paper and the Sea
Trend Themes
1. Natural Materials - There is a trend of using natural elements in artistic creations, presenting an opportunity for artists and designers to experiment with unconventional mediums.
2. Alternative Photographic Processes - There is a trend of exploring alternative methods for developing photographs, offering an opportunity for photographers and innovators to push the boundaries of traditional image-making techniques.
3. Environmental Art - There is a trend of creating art that highlights the relationship between humans and the natural world, providing an opportunity for artists to raise awareness and provoke thoughtful discussions.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - The art and design industry can incorporate natural materials and experiment with alternative photographic processes to create unique and environmentally conscious artworks.
2. Photography - The photography industry can embrace alternative photographic processes to offer new and captivating experiences for clients, fostering creativity and pushing the boundaries of traditional image-making techniques.
3. Environmental Conservation - The environmental conservation industry can collaborate with artists to use art as a medium for raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.