Similar to her “Back Porch” films, JoAnn Elam’s “Front Porch” documents the scenes of life in her neighborhood in Chicago. The film pays especial attention to the light flowing through different branches and leaves of plant growth and the rhythm of a gentle breeze swaying the blinds on the window. These patterns and abstractions repeat
Images of a shadow puppet play, intermittent rapid editing, and sweeping shots of a farm, dogs playing outside, plants, kitchens and interiors, provide a naturalistic portrait of peaceful spaces and friends. Date of production unknown.
A short montage of a black cat sitting in a windowsill within the creeping vines of a plant. Date of production unknown.
As its title indicates, this footage was taken at Garfield Park Conservatory in the west side of Chicago, during the Christmas Flower Show of 1984. JoAnn Elam films from inside the greenhouse and she first seems more interested in the glass structure than in the plants and flowers on display. The image is dark and
Beginning with a black cat sunbathing, “[Black Cat & Green Garden]” opens ground level, cutting frantically. After several restless, feline-centric beats, the camera moves upward, swiping from left to right vigorously, and takes blurry note of the garden at eye level. The camera finally relents;it slows to depict the garden at a manageable rate, surveying