Film by Mantai Chow
Flutter is my new photography based series and 4th independently published artist book. The body of work explores abstract landscape and the possibilities of the analog darkroom process. I am looking to raise $8000 to help bring this project to life. Please scroll down to learn more about the project and to see how you can support itFLUTTER
by David Zheng
ABOUT THE PROJECT: FLUTTER
In 2019, I traveled to San Francisco to relax from obsessively working on Reveries, my first artist book. With my camera in hand, I tried to capture my usual city shots but struggled to find inspiration. Spending hours walking through the sprawling 7x7 city each day without success, I found myself irresistibly drawn to Lands End, a tranquil nature retreat nestled along the city's western edge by the Pacific Ocean.Perched on the hiking trail, sensing the Bay Area's volatile climate, feeling its transient power, like the flutter of a small bird's wings in the wind. I felt suddenly free to make photographs again.
Flutter 2024 © David Zheng
Flutter 2024 © David Zheng
Flutter 2024 © David Zheng
SILENCE
After creating most of the images in 2019, I paused the project as it wasn’t coming together as I hoped. During this break, I let go of expectations and embraced a more experimental approach in the darkroom, leaning on unconventional techniques like cropping, superimposing, and splattering chemicals. These so-called mistakes became crucial to the work’s visual language.THE BOOK
Flutter will be my fourth self-published book. Each book that I've created undergoes a meticulous review and design process. Having full autonomy in my work has always been my priority. For this edition, I will be personally hand binding every copy. A special set of papers are sourced which echoes the energy of the work itself. This will be a very limited run, about 250-300 copies. 
Preview of Flutter
SUPPORT PACKAGES
To support the project, I’m releasing two new items for sale that are integral to my daily life: a headscarf and aromatic incense. In addition to these new products, I’m also offering my books and select original darkroom prints from the project at a discounted price. Below, you’ll find various support levels with corresponding reward packages. I’m confident there’s a package to suit every preference.All images were made on 35mm black and white film (mostly on a Leica M6 and Nikon F100) and printed in my darkroom in Brooklyn. The book is designed and ready to be sent to the printers. After which I will bring the prints back to the studio and hand assemble them.Available items for sale in support packages
PACKAGE #1 $20 Incense
Flutter Invigorating Incense. 35 Incense sticks per box
For everyday care. Incense comprising of palo santo wood with complex and delicate undertones that burns gently for an invigorating experience.
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Package # 1 - Incense
photography: Chris Chu
PACKAGE #2 $45 Headscarf/Bandana
Flutter printed head scarf. For every day use
Prewashed 100% Light weight cotton. Approximately 22 inch x 22 inch. Charcoal gray
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Package # 2 - Flutter Bandana/Headscarf
photography: Chris Chu
PACKAGE #3 $65 Signed copy of Flutter Book
Specifications: Printed in New York City, Soft Cover, approximately (9 x 12 inches), Handbound in my studio. Limited Edition of about 300 copies
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Sample Book Cover (Will Change)
PACKAGE #4 $105 One Book, Incense and Bandana
All new Flutter items
1 Signed Flutter book
1 Bandana
1 Box of Incense
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PACKAGE #5 $150 Book Collector
Own all three of my available books
1 Reveries
1 Where Did all the Flowers Go?
1 Flutter
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PACKAGE #6 $200 Collection of my books + Incense + Bandana
Each of my available artist books + Incense +Headscarf
Signed Flutter book
Signed Where Did all the Flowers Go? book
Signed Reveries book
Everyday Incense
Everyday Headscarf
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PACKAGE #7 $600 11 x 14 inch Original darkroom print + Flutter
Original 11x14inch (8x12 inch image) silver gelatin print of ‘Mountain Road’ from the project. Made by me in my darkroom. Signed Edition of 15. Comes with a signed copy of, Flutter
Unframed 11x14 inch Silver gelatin Print, edition of 15
Signed Flutter book
This special offer is only available through the next 2 weeks for this campaign. Once it is over, the prints will return to its normal price of $750.
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PACKAGE #8 $1200 16 x 20 inch Original darkroom print + 2x Flutter
Original 16 x 20 in. (40 x 50 cm) silver gelatin print of ‘Tree’ from the project. Made by me in my darkroom. Signed Edition of 10. Comes with 2 signed copies of, Flutter.
Unframed 16x20 inch Silver gelatin Print, edition of 10
2 Signed copies of Flutter book
This special offer is only available through the next 2 weeks for this campaign. Once it is over, the prints will return to its normal price of $1500.
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PACKAGE #9 $5000 26 x 40 inch Original darkroom print + 3x Flutter
Original 26 x 40 in. (40 x 50 cm) silver gelatin print of ‘Moon’ from the project. Made by me in my darkroom. Signed Edition of 5. Comes with 3 signed copies of, Flutter.
Unframed 26x40 inch Silver gelatin Print, edition of 5
3 Signed copies of Flutter book
This special offer is only available through the next 2 weeks for this campaign. Once it is over, the prints will return to its normal price of $6500.
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Available Support Packages
Help fund this project by purchasing the below Support Packages. Click on More Details for images of products
All items are discounted for the duration of this 2 week campaign
Package #2 $45
Everyday headscarf.
100% lightweight cotton printed headscarf/bandana.
Estimated Delivery: 3 Weeks
Package #3 $60
Signed Flutter book. First Edition
Handmade, limited to 250 copies.
Estimated Delivery: 3 Weeks
Package #4 $105
Signed Flutter book
Everyday Headscarf
Everyday Incense
Estimated Delivery: 3 Weeks
Package #5 $150
Book collector. All three of my available artist books
Signed Flutter book
Signed Where Did all the Flowers Go? book
Signed Reveries book
Estimated Delivery: 3 Weeks
Package #6 $200
All three of my available artist books. + Incense +Headscarf
Signed Flutter book
Signed Where Did all the Flowers Go? book
Signed Reveries book
Everyday Incense
Everyday Headscarf
Estimated Delivery: 3 Weeks
Package #7 $600
Original 11x14inch (8x12 inch image) silver gelatin print from the project. Printed by me in my darkroom. Signed Edition of 15. Comes with a signed copy of, Flutter
This special offer is only available through the next 2 weeks for this campaign. Once it is over, the prints will return to its normal price of $750.
Unframed + 1 signed Flutter book.
Estimated Delivery: 3 Weeks
Package #8 $1200
Tree. Original 16 x 20 in. (40 x 50 cm) silver gelatin print from the project. Edition of 10.
This special offer is only available through the next 2 weeks for this campaign. Once it is over, the prints will return to its normal price of $1500.
Unframed + 2 signed Flutter books.
Estimated Delivery: 3 Weeks
Package #9 $5000
Moon Over Pacific. Original 26 x 40 in. (66 x 100 cm) silver gelatin print from the project. Edition of 5.
This special offer is only available through the next 2 weeks for this campaign. Once it is over, the prints will return to its normal price of $6500.
Unframed + 3 signed Flutter books.
Estimated Delivery: 3 Weeks