JULY 13TH, 2022
PHOTOGRAPHY WITH AN EDGE is a periodical feature showcasing NFT artists working with photographic practices that defy or challenge the common definition of a photograph. We are here to explore and celebrate these more exotic forms of photography and the free mixture of old and new, art and science, analog and digital employed in the exploration of the limits and possibilities of light, chemistry, and bits.
My introduction to Sandra Fantova’s work came via a chance encounter with one of her Cyan Polaroids. I was enchanted on sight. Having mutilated a few Polaroids in my day, I recognized a kindred spirit, and I began immediately to try to sort out for myself just what Sandra had done in the case of these manipulations. In the description of her OpenSea Manipulated Cyan Polaroids collection, she notes that the images are scans of originals that are changing over time. With that hint, I began examining the images in each series more closely and my fascination grew as I observed the changes in color, form, and texture from one to the next.
Suspecting that the film had been souped over some period of time, I set out to explore Sandra’s other work to see what additional treasures I might uncover. The journey has been a source of recurring delight. Take for example, her clever cyanotypes on flattened film boxes. I feel the irregular shapes in my hand as my eye seeks out all the details.
Printed Film Packaging No. 1 and Printed Film Packaging No. 2
Then there is the elegant series of toned cyanotypes entitled, Todo es igual pero nada es lo mismo (eveything is the same but nothing is the same).
Todo es igual pero nada es lo mismo X
Over the course of examining the dozen images in the series, the figure becomes more and more abstract, melding into a montage of shape, form, and gentle color variation, the aptness of the title becoming perfectly clear.
Let’s let Sandra tell us more about herself and her work.
Can you describe your process?
My process is that I have no process. I create for pleasure, when I want and how I want. I have no rules. I have no time. I have no pressure, only sensations or feelings to convey so I let myself flow.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I don't go to any specific place in search of inspiration. It is true that throughout the day I see many images and things that inspire and motivate me, but consciously they are not usually inspiration. I believe that inspiration comes when you least expect it, when the less you work on it and the less you force your mind.
What started you on this journey?
This crazy journey started when I moved to Huesca to study graphic design at the Huesca School of Art. Photography was of course one of my favorite subjects, also the professor who taught it. His classes were my first contact with artistic photography and analog photography.
What prompted you to expand your work into the NFT realm?
@do_it_iker was the one who first told me about NFTs and how everything worked. He told me about the exposure and scope that his works had had and he told me that he had made some sales. I didn't understand much at first, so I investigated and, in the end, it seemed to me another medium where I could expose and show my photography - in which I could also have the opportunity to sell something. So I decided to try it without any pretense or expectation.
Where do you expect your work to take you in the next year?
For me photography is not work. Photography for me is passion, enjoyment, and a means to express and feel. So the only thing I hope is to be able to continue enjoying it and feel motivated and inspired to take many photographs.
Where can people find your work?
On Instagram, @sandra.fantova, on Twitter, @sandrafantova, and on the markets where I have uploaded my works. At the moment these are opensea and teia.
