Through the Green Fuse

(1999-2003)

“Buelteman’s art is a powerful mix of Georgia O'Keefe and Frankenstein.”

— Richard Pitnik, COLOR Magazine

This first portfolio of cameraless images was named for the Dylan Thomas poem, “The force that through the green fuse drives the flower” which, like many of his poems, inquires into aging and decay. It seemed a fitting title for describing the energy and fragility of my botanical subjects, many of which could only endure a couple attempts due to the rigors of the 40,000-volt discharge passed through their structures. I print the original film as finished art, without cropping or retouching of any kind. I believe that powerful art asks more questions than it answers, and so, the notches and ragged edges of the film read in the final prints, adding to the mystery and the beauty of these artworks.