” More than a 150 years ago, photographers traveled from town to town with a photographic van documenting communities. I am doing a modern version of the same, by capturing the spirit of the Los Angeles Lithuanian community at St. Casimir’s Parish using the civil war era wet plate collodion process. This project started in January of 2012 and is being shot over a one-year period using my antique, 8”x10”, Kodak 2D large format camera. The images start as glass plate negatives from which I make contact prints using various alternative processes as well as traditional gelatin silver prints.
Remarkably, I now live in what used to be part of the nunnery at St. Casimir’s church in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. My family is Lithuanian and this is where I attended Saturday school, accepted my first communion, danced at folk dancing festivals, and shared many adventures as a Lithuanian scout. It is this life experience that inspired and drives this project. I am also inspired by the timeless sense of history and tradition at this 60-year old institution. The community is built on traditions, loyalty and the occasional innovative spark that keeps the atmosphere progressively fresh. Apart from documenting the church, school, and grounds of this 60-year old institution it is essential to capture the several generations of unique individuals that make up this tiny yet vibrant community.
As much as I like new ideas and the onset of new technologies, I surround myself with things that are old. I have a great appreciation for objects that are classic–well crafted, and built to last. I also find beauty in deterioration and wear. I am not bound to any particular medium, yet it’s no wonder that I am passionate about historic printmaking and alternative photo processes. They are prevalent in my work. ”
Jonas Kulikauskas
Jonas Kulikauskas is an American Lithuanian artist born and raised in Southern California. He holds a BFA from Otis Art Institute of the Parsons School of Design, Los Angeles.
September 5 – October 14, 2012
Galerija „101“,
Laisvės al. /alley 53
Kaunas
Lithuania
