Phil Nesmith
Eugene
©2010 Phillip Nesmith - This 7x5 wet collodion ambrotype was exposed about 30 seconds before a tropical downpour hit. Once the plate was pulled from the camera, a large plastic bag was placed over the camera and it was left in place.
This is Eugene. I met him on his 36th day of working at this bridge sucking oil from the water. He is the driver and operator of a semi rig that is a vacuum tanker. This portrait was made at the location of what he described as a "great battle" with the oil in the early days of the spill.
The rocks under his feet and behind him are still coated with oil. Hand prints of oil are along the support beam of the bridge behind him. It was special to be able to hear the story of what was happening at this specific place from someone who was playing a significant role.
See more of this work in person by attending Flow, my latest solo exhibition at Irvine Contemporary in Washington D.C.
More from the Gulf.
For some of the back story of this image see the blog.
Eugene
©2010 Phillip Nesmith - This 7x5 wet collodion ambrotype was exposed about 30 seconds before a tropical downpour hit. Once the plate was pulled from the camera, a large plastic bag was placed over the camera and it was left in place.
This is Eugene. I met him on his 36th day of working at this bridge sucking oil from the water. He is the driver and operator of a semi rig that is a vacuum tanker. This portrait was made at the location of what he described as a "great battle" with the oil in the early days of the spill.
The rocks under his feet and behind him are still coated with oil. Hand prints of oil are along the support beam of the bridge behind him. It was special to be able to hear the story of what was happening at this specific place from someone who was playing a significant role.
See more of this work in person by attending Flow, my latest solo exhibition at Irvine Contemporary in Washington D.C.
More from the Gulf.
For some of the back story of this image see the blog.