Ian Phillips-McLaren is a British artist known for his multidisciplinary practice, combining analogue photography, alternative printing, and mixed-media art. Working with gum bichromate, painting, sculpture, and sound.
The latest edition of Studies in Photography features a 12-page article showcasing my project, Fractured Whispers.
Read the full article here.
Above: This series of self-portraits, The ‘Self’ & The ‘Other’, is an exploration of the ‘Self’ through the lens of ancient Roman portraiture – The ‘Other’ referring to the ways in which identities are formed.
Shot in camera with analogue 5″x4″ paper negatives. Read More ⇉
‘The Burn, Glen Nant’ – gum bichromate print, ‘Fractured Whispers’ series, Celtic Rainforest, Scotland.
Above: “Beyond the Edge” series, draws you into the overlooked, conveying a sense of exploration and discovery. This is not just about the landscapes that surround me, but about the space just beyond them, where beauty is found in the edges – those places where the everyday slips into the unknown. It finds beauty and meaning in the outskirts and peripheral areas of my hometown. Read More ⇉
Above: A large video sculpture and multimedia installation from The Future Now exhibition. Titled ‘Self Portrait / There’s someone in My Head…’ this work explores the concept of the inner ‘self’ through a Jungian lens.
Phillips-McLaren hand-crafted four effegies representing Jung’s four main archetypes, which, when combined, represent the whole ‘Self’. Read More ⇉
Ian Phillips-McLaren, talking about his Fractured Whispers project, Gum Bichromate prints & foraging for artists pigments, Dalkeith Photo 2024
Welcome to the multidisciplinary fine art of Ian Phillips-McLaren
Welcome to my website, where the art of alternative photographic processes and mixed media art creations come to life.
Most of the images here are hand-printed using techniques such as Gum Bichromate prints, Salt Prints, Albumen Prints, and Toned Cyanotype prints.
My work also incorporates raw pigments, often foraged from the very site where the image was captured—such as rocks—which I use to create my own paints.
These handcrafted pigments are integrated into my pieces by using glazing techniques inspired by late 15th-century oil painting practices.
I’m Ian Phillips-McLaren, a multidisciplinary artist passionate about alternative photographic processes. Since beginning my journey in photography in 1985, I have dedicated myself to exploring, teaching, and pushing the boundaries of these tactile, hands-on techniques. The unique aesthetics and rich history of analogue photography have always captivated me.
Throughout my career, I’ve embraced a multidisciplinary approach, integrating alternative processes like salt printing, gum printing, and toned cyanotypes with painting and sculpture. These methods offer a level of craftsmanship and authenticity to my work that digital photography alone could never replicate.
In addition to maintaining an active artistic practice, I teach at at The School of Art, Architecture and Design in London and the Cambridge School of Art at ARU, where I share my passion for alternative photographic techniques, painting, and sculpture.
Fine Art Photography and Alternative Processes
Here, hands-on processes and artistic vision come together to create unique, timeless works. My project ‘Fractured Whispers’ infuses each image with the essence of the rainforest. By using foraged pigments from the forest floor, I establish a deep connection between art and nature.
Moreover, as a teacher, I share my knowledge with the next generation of fine art photographers and artists. I teach digital and analogue photography, along with early printing techniques, to both BA and MA students. Additionally, I offer private lessons. In these sessions, I guide students through the processes that defined early photography. My classes focus on hands-on experience, encouraging students to experiment and develop their unique styles.
My work has been featured in many publications and exhibitions, both nationally and internationally.
Thank you for visiting my site. I invite you to explore my portfolio to discover the world of analogue photography and alternative processes. Whether you’re an enthusiast, a fellow artist, or a prospective student, I hope my work inspires you to see photography in a new light.
