Terra Figmenta

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Terra Figmenta
Terra Figmenta

A series of black and white prints from a collection of ships’ figureheads, representing artifacts from a two hundred year span.

A series of black and white prints from a collection of ships’ figureheads, representing artifacts from a two hundred year span.

Exploring a nautical theme, I photographed a collection of ship’s figureheads where time is collapsed as we compare and contrast the superstitions and proclivities that two centuries of maritime culture had produced in a time before engineering and contemporary navigation techniques made such icons surplus. Unknown artisans toiled for likenesses made from wood of political, mythical, royal or familiar family members. Photographed here in a crowd breaks all intended tradition of isolation and uniqueness that these figureheads once held each at the prow of their own individual now unidentifiable vessels.

My series “Terra Figmenta” portrays the ambiguity, moods, calm and epiphanies to be found in the landscape. I’m interested in the idea of an inner landscape, nature and the subconscious in and exchange where places become feelings, moods become land formations.
Shooting on film with my trusted and crude Diana camera I roamed the coasts of Iceland in a solitary residency.

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Terra Figmenta, was first released in December 2021 8 x 8″ prints, in the summer of 2022 I have been experimenting with new papers and I am releasing the series with additional image and as larger prints. Terra Figmenta is shot on film and printed by me on Baryta paper as 17″x17″in prints, 43x43cm.  In this series, I am exploring the inner as much as the outer landscape in a reflective calm body of work inspired by the fjords of Iceland.

After almost 18 months staying at home, I was itching to travel again and finally did so in August 2021.  I traveled to Iceland to get back to making pictures. 

My name is Martin Cox, a UK born, LA-based photographer with strong connections with Iceland.  I was really keen to continue my work with a Diana camera and rolls of black and white film to explore the solitude and vastness of the fjords and coastline. The combination of traditional film with my quirky camera help me capture an emotional quality of the landscape.

This year I found I was changed by all the changes we experienced during the pandemic.  I’m explored the idea of the inner landscape, using the outer landscape as a jumping off point.

Words like mystery and expansiveness and pop up when I think to describe the feeling, and during my isolation from the world I found peace and expanse in meditation. 

My series “Terra Figmenta” portrays the ambiguity and acceptance, calm and epiphany to be found in the landscape but I hope, also directs us inward too. I’m interested in the idea of an inner landscape, nature and the subconscious in and exchange where places become feelings, moods become land formations.

The 17″x17″ prints are in a limited edition prints consists of 7 numbered photographs of each image, accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity.

My prints will be available for purchase directly from me on this website. If you have any questions please get in touch (under “contact” in the menu).

 
 
 
Purchase Prints: Terra Figmenta
During this introduction of the new series the prints are available for $1200 (plus tax and shipping).  This is a preview of the January 2023 release.   (for shipping outside US please contact me via email under ‘contact’)