Sheds and garages house broken snow blowers, old hoses, bicycles and more. They are the last stop for the things our bloated homes can no longer hold. The structures in this series are an homage to our complicated relationship with stuff. Over a lifetime we accumulate an enormous amount of stuff ranging from “priceless” family heirlooms to the latest gadgets which have been quickly rendered obsolete. Why is it nearly impossible to purge our homes of this useless clutter? Is it just inertia, or are we afraid to face what our accumulation says about us? Or, perhaps, is our stuff an anchor to the past which, once purged, would cause us to become unmoored?

All the images in Suzanne Metzel's series, Inside, are polymer photogravures. In this alternative process, digital images are transferred to a photosensitive polymer substrate that is adhered to a steel-backed plate. Once processed, the plate is inked and printed using an etching press. This laborious process is slow and definitely hands-on. According to Metzel, “The process has allowed me to produce images of structures that look to host a history of secrets."

Suzanne, a former trial attorney, has studied drawing, watercolor, printmaking and photography at the American Academy of Art, Evanston Art Center and Lillstreet Art Center. Her work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally. She is a lifelong resident of Evanston (3rd generation) and a founding and board member of Perspective Group and Photography Gallery.

Image: Suzanne Metzel