Downing creates a mezzotint triptych using three separate plates. Her subject is a clevis, which she explores in three different positions and three different light sources. Mezzotint is a reductive process, starting with all black and evolving to light.
A clevis is a U shaped metal connector, in this case with two circular holes through which a cotter pin or bolt can be inserted to create a fastening system into which a tang is inserted. Downing uses just the clevis as an object to examine.