My initial fascination with colours created by the cross-polarisation of stressed plastics began with an interest in the potential effects of different colour mixes on the human state of mind.
The overall theme for this body of work is derived from the theme of psychogeography, which is the study of the effects of the geographical settings, consciously managed or not, acting directly on the mood and behaviour of the individual.
When making these images I am focussed on the aesthetics and intrinsical qualities of working with the plastic to create interesting compositions within a palette of colours offered by using one particular type of plastic.
I create my images by carefully manipulating plastics under polarised light. The psychedelic patterns are a result of the stresses I introduce into the plastic which are revealed once viewed through a set of crossed photographic polarising filters.
cross polarisation
By sandwiching stressed clear plastic between two photographic polarising filters spectacular images can be created. The colourful effect is achieved when rotating one of the polarising filters. This causes 'cross polarisation’. The colours seen in the plastic are the result of diffraction of white light into various parts of the spectrum. Different levels of stress within the plastic are indicated by different colours.
Cross Polarisation Galleries
