Advocate (06/02/92) No. 604, P. 80
Artist Bill Fink was looking for various materials to use in processing
photos and found himself using a cremated chicken bone. Later, he used
human ash to develop the photographs. "I had been trying to figure out
the most powerful medium I could use in the photographic process," he
noted, adding that "Ash is a way to capture both time and matter." Fink
soon launched a project that would consist of a dozen "ash photographs"
of people who have died of AIDS. Already, he has completed two photos in
the series, which he hopes will function as a memorial to those afflicted
by the disease. "I figure it's easy to walk away from a picture of
someone, but not when you know that the photo is made from the person."
But Fink has encountered some difficulties with his project resulting
from his Jewish upbringing which forbids cremation. However, he did
receive the support he needed to continue with his project from Jews in
the local art community, especially from Los Angeles gallery owner Jan
Kesner. "I like Bill's concept and approach and encourage him to
continue with his idea. Generations from now will look back at this time
and see just how deeply this disease affected our community," said
Kesner. Although Fink completed a show of paintings he considers
commercial potential, for now he wishes to devote his time to the ash
photos.