Urbana’s Gallery Art Bar was packed when I arrived for the June 4th reception for June’s artists in residence, photographers Ace’lyn Henderson and Claire Daly. While waiting to order my beer, I started viewing the art exhibition on display. The installation and lighting were dramatically artistic. I had a chance to speak with Daly, who deploys a unique way of mounting and displaying her art photography.
Daly is a busy artist. She lives and works in Urbana, where she is a photographer for the Champaign Urbana Ballet, operates her vintage clothing business, Mojo Retro, and works with Champaign Estate Sales. I thoroughly enjoyed Daly’s “still-life” photography of abandoned objects and places. Her photography gives them new meaning and gives these spaces and objects a sense of permanence beyond the parameters of their liminality.
Instead of the common practice of framing and hanging photos, Daly arranged her photographs with background materials such as pieces of carpet or fabric stacked together in a meaningful and artistic way. Gallery Art Bar’s spectacular lighting was also distinctive, utilizing multiple projected lighting systems rather than the usual gallery track lights which provides the exhibit with even more depth and color.
Smile Politely: What got you interested in photography initially?
Claire Daly: I grew up with a dad who was constantly documenting family events, nature, day-to-day life, etc. But that was before cell phones. Then in high school, Stacey Gross introduced me to the darkroom and its endless possibilities.
SP: Where did you study photography and who influenced or inspired you the most?
Daly: I studied photography at Parkland College under Peggy Shaw, who was incredibly encouraging. I then completed my degree at the Art Institute of Boston, now known as Lesley University, graduating in 2016. The teachers there, including Christine Collins, Tommy Matthews, David Hilliard, and Brian Unwin, each brought something unique. Their own artistic practices were inspiring, and their ability to attune to each student was powerful.
SP: Can you say more about this particular exhibit of photographs?
Daly: These works are part of an ongoing series that started in 2018. Six years ago, I started working with an estate sale company and began documenting the houses, people’s unique collections, and the marks revealed once the homes were empty. I’m continuously inspired by this state of in-between and often learn about the homeowner solely through the objects they left behind. I love looking out someone’s window, seeing the view they saw for their lifetime, while also capturing myself navigating the different settings my work takes me to. I’m constantly thinking about mortality, the unknown amount of time we have, hauntology, and residual energy, and the stories attached to objects, never quite knowing what the truth is. It’s the type of work that leaves me with more questions than answers, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
SP: Your response reminds me of what Ansel Adams once said: “When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.” It’s interesting that you take photos by looking through other people’s views. For most photographers, taking photographs is a reflection (mirror view) to record or reflect the present situation, or by looking inward (window view). Could you say a bit more about your process in these images?
Daly: Thank you for noting that. These images are made with a large format camera, mainly for its lack of speed and the total control the viewfinder allows me. The work is printed on adhesive vinyl as a nod to a time when couches and lampshades were encased in plastic, carpets were shag, porches were covered in Astroturf, and wallpaper almost always matched the curtains.
Ace’lyn Henderson & Claire Daly Exhibit
Gallery Art Bar
119 W Main
Urbana
June 4-30
Free, but check out their signature cocktails and mocktails