The Concept

A photograph presents us with an image from a moment in time and prompts us to visualize the scene as it was. Unfortunately, a photograph leaves a lot out, elements that we know were there but are now left to our imagination.

The movements of a rippling water surface or the reflections that change from moment to moment:

The depth of an aspen forest scene that continues out of sight:

Or a photograph of colorful foliage that is composed of a myriad of overlapping leaves:

By presenting photographs in a way that brings these missing elements to the viewer, the Xtra-Dimensional technique evokes a sense of movement and three-dimensionality that was present in the original scene.

The idea is to present the image as different pieces on different surfaces. All together, the pieces combine to create the entire image while adding the extra dimensions and complexity that are appropriate for the scene.

The image of rocks below the surface of Lake Tahoe is broken down into components that are mounted in four layers, each separated by about 1/8″.

The components themselves have a faceted shape, their edges are curved, and they are assembled in a pattern that conveys the fluidity of the water.

What you see changes with angle and lighting, just like the surface of the lake.

For the aspen forest (“Autumn Aspens”, courtesy of Elizabeth Carmel), the rectangular components are curved, like the tree trunks, and mounted in a layered pattern that, when lit from above, casts shadows which complement the horizontal lines in the aspen bark.

For the fall foliage (“Vine Maples in Autumn along the Santiam River”, courtesy of Mike Putnam), the components are leaf-shaped, also three-dimensional, and layered like the foliage of the trees.

Again, what you see changes with view and lighting:

Return to the Home Page to see how these “Xtra-Dimensional” images are put together and for links to more examples.