About
Birrer is a research based artist. Recent work confronts directly the dichotomy of modern life and earth life- across millennia, a meditation on natural earth processes.
Birrer picked up a camera and black and white film at the age of 10, by nineteen she was learning the craft and technology of the color and black and white darkroom as well as working with large format cameras.
Later, in London at the Victoria and Albert museum she was introduced to historical alternative printmaking techniques used by photography’s inventors and early proponents.
She is now engaged in exploring the ecological radicalisation of the photo process including using plant-and earth based materials with low toxicity and non-invasive modes of gathering in exposing, developing and creating prints.
As an alternative photographer and artist, she worked originally with Kallitype, Platinum Palladium, Cyanotype, and Silver Bromide. Her favorite light gathering equipment include a wooden folding 8 x 10 inch film plate camera and 4x5 pinhole camera.
Previously, she has explored feminist and post-punk image making(England) & founded a farmer’s market cooperative as well as communitygardens whilst working with hand made photographic emulsions and sun-printing (Ireland).
Her personal work includes the gathering of millions of tree seeds and acorns to help secure the genetic bank of Ireland’s indigenous ancient forests. As a proponent of social change “one mind-net at a time" she has been involved with lifelong learning, facilitating courses in both photography and organic growing.