Object study · Original example
Folded Light
An ordinary surface with a less ordinary way of catching the light.
Stillframe
Stillframe
An independent point of view.
A portfolio in progress

Objects. Spaces. The moment something starts to make sense.
See the studiesMara Vale
Mara Vale
Image-making & art direction
I pay attention to shape, light and the space between things. Occasionally, the things cooperate.
I pay attention to shape, light and the space between things. Occasionally, the things cooperate.
Three original example studies. Open a project for the idea behind the image.
Object study · Original example
An ordinary surface with a less ordinary way of catching the light.
This study starts with a small question: how much can one form change when the light moves around it? Folded edges give the eye something to follow, then let the shadows take over.
The image keeps the setting spare. The object has enough to say without a supporting cast.
Focus
Form, light and surface
Format
Object-design image study
A fictional portfolio project, created as original example artwork. The study describes a visual idea, not a client commission.
Object study · Original example
An ordinary surface with a less ordinary way of catching the light.
This study starts with a small question: how much can one form change when the light moves around it? Folded edges give the eye something to follow, then let the shadows take over.
The image keeps the setting spare. The object has enough to say without a supporting cast.
Focus
Form, light and surface
Format
Object-design image study
A fictional portfolio project, created as original example artwork. The study describes a visual idea, not a client commission.
Object study · Original example
An ordinary surface with a less ordinary way of catching the light.
This study starts with a small question: how much can one form change when the light moves around it? Folded edges give the eye something to follow, then let the shadows take over.
The image keeps the setting spare. The object has enough to say without a supporting cast.
Focus
Form, light and surface
Format
Object-design image study
A fictional portfolio project, created as original example artwork. The study describes a visual idea, not a client commission.
Object study · Original example
An ordinary surface with a less ordinary way of catching the light.
This study starts with a small question: how much can one form change when the light moves around it? Folded edges give the eye something to follow, then let the shadows take over.
The image keeps the setting spare. The object has enough to say without a supporting cast.
Focus
Form, light and surface
Format
Object-design image study
A fictional portfolio project, created as original example artwork. The study describes a visual idea, not a client commission.
Graphic study · Original example
Parallel lines finding their own way across the page.
Black ribbon-like lines bend across a white printed sheet. The study follows their spacing and direction, looking for a sense of movement in an image that stays perfectly still.
The paper is part of the composition. Its surface brings the graphic back into the physical world.
Focus
Line, rhythm and print
Format
Printed graphic image study
An original fictional print study made for this portfolio example. It represents an imagined creative direction.
Graphic study · Original example
Parallel lines finding their own way across the page.
Black ribbon-like lines bend across a white printed sheet. The study follows their spacing and direction, looking for a sense of movement in an image that stays perfectly still.
The paper is part of the composition. Its surface brings the graphic back into the physical world.
Focus
Line, rhythm and print
Format
Printed graphic image study
An original fictional print study made for this portfolio example. It represents an imagined creative direction.
Graphic study · Original example
Parallel lines finding their own way across the page.
Black ribbon-like lines bend across a white printed sheet. The study follows their spacing and direction, looking for a sense of movement in an image that stays perfectly still.
The paper is part of the composition. Its surface brings the graphic back into the physical world.
Focus
Line, rhythm and print
Format
Printed graphic image study
An original fictional print study made for this portfolio example. It represents an imagined creative direction.
Graphic study · Original example
Parallel lines finding their own way across the page.
Black ribbon-like lines bend across a white printed sheet. The study follows their spacing and direction, looking for a sense of movement in an image that stays perfectly still.
The paper is part of the composition. Its surface brings the graphic back into the physical world.
Focus
Line, rhythm and print
Format
Printed graphic image study
An original fictional print study made for this portfolio example. It represents an imagined creative direction.
Spatial study · Original example
A small space that gives daylight somewhere useful to land.
This imagined architectural model uses simple openings to make the light part of the composition. Solid planes provide the structure. The empty areas give it a rhythm.
The aim is a frame that feels inhabited by daylight before anything else moves in.
Focus
Daylight, openings and space
Format
Architectural model image study
An original fictional model study. The image is a creative example rather than a built architectural project.
Spatial study · Original example
A small space that gives daylight somewhere useful to land.
This imagined architectural model uses simple openings to make the light part of the composition. Solid planes provide the structure. The empty areas give it a rhythm.
The aim is a frame that feels inhabited by daylight before anything else moves in.
Focus
Daylight, openings and space
Format
Architectural model image study
An original fictional model study. The image is a creative example rather than a built architectural project.
Spatial study · Original example
A small space that gives daylight somewhere useful to land.
This imagined architectural model uses simple openings to make the light part of the composition. Solid planes provide the structure. The empty areas give it a rhythm.
The aim is a frame that feels inhabited by daylight before anything else moves in.
Focus
Daylight, openings and space
Format
Architectural model image study
An original fictional model study. The image is a creative example rather than a built architectural project.
Spatial study · Original example
A small space that gives daylight somewhere useful to land.
This imagined architectural model uses simple openings to make the light part of the composition. Solid planes provide the structure. The empty areas give it a rhythm.
The aim is a frame that feels inhabited by daylight before anything else moves in.
Focus
Daylight, openings and space
Format
Architectural model image study
An original fictional model study. The image is a creative example rather than a built architectural project.
I like a clear composition with one thing slightly out of place. It gives the eye a reason to stay.
I like a clear composition with one thing slightly out of place. It gives the eye a reason to stay.
I like a clear composition with one thing slightly out of place. It gives the eye a reason to stay.
Stillframe is a fictional portfolio by Mara Vale. The portrait and three studies are original example imagery. Replace them with your own point of view.