A 16mm short film, developed by hand with an eco-caffenol process, edited using analog splicing methods. “stone picking, spiral negatives” is an experimental trudge into the past and how to carry it into the future. Within the creek lies memories, hundreds of thousands of remembrances- rocks, stones, pebbles- able to be grabbed and carried. They resurface amidst the gushing water, fragmented and inverted. The attempt to organize and understand them is a conflict of beauty and control, relentlessly cutting between the negative and the positive. In the attempt to treat them delicately, they risk destruction. And yet, to be human is to revisit the past. Trudge back through the currents rush of time, stand amidst the rocks, let go of control so nostalgia can take hold.
Bio Cat Hartigan (she/her), is a film and fine arts student. Currently attending the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), she’s finding her voice through analog film and video editing as well as majoring in humanistic studies to do research and writing on the phenomena of nostalgia. Throughout her practice as an artist she focuses on experimenting with new mediums and methods of conveying themes of sadness, grief, joy, and most often, dissecting emotion. She ties in her research and writing about nostalgia into her art, trying to describe this unique human phenomena through abstract visuals and narrative. Cat creates a cohesive voice throughout all the mediums she works in, pouring intention and meaning into the process behind a final piece and highlighting the journey of creativity. A few recurring characteristics make Cat’s work distinctively her own: muted color palettes, strange but recognizable characters, a nurturing of analog techniques, and stark contrasts between high intensity and simplicity. a cat finds it necessary to create art; it is her way of perceiving and interacting with the world. Through exploring materials, she becomes more attuned to her own feelings. Through research and exploration, she forms a deeper understanding of her own experiences. And in her finalized pieces, she hopes to create that same moment of shared relief and nostalgia with someone else.
Pebbles Underground is focused on showcasing and promoting experimental, avant-garde, underground, and no-to-low budget projects by artist-humans from all over the world. Absurd, uncanny, witty, humorous, slow-video – all are welcomed, and loved.
Pebbles Underground is an independent project not funded by any government or corporation, and we intend to keep it that way. Main source of funding is personal donations from humans organizing the project, who are artists themselves, and the main drive of the project is formed by the energy and involvement of the organizers, and the public.
