Collodion Images For Paris

I’m taking this image (below) and some 1/2 plate (CGAs) I made when I lived in the states, to Bievres (Paris). We’re going to do a small exhibition/show there – we should have about five or six people showing work (maybe more).

I like this image a lot (Whole Plate Black Glass Ambrotype). I also like how this presentation of it exaggerates, or esteems the content (some would say it contradicts). I actually glued (epoxy) the BGA to the black glass in the frame. If you wanted to remove it without damaging the image, you could.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it, but I do. The distressed image is a nice contrast to the frame and the color/tone of the image matches the frame as well. It conflicts and disorients me, and I like that kind of feeling.

This will be for sale at the show. I’m looking forward to hearing what people think about the work and the Wet Plate Collodion process.

This piece was later reframed and sold at the "Glass Memories" exhibition.

The Paris Foto Fair

Greetings & Salutations,

We just returned from a weekend in Paris. We drove over Friday (about 4.5 hours) and attended one of the largest photo fair/exhibits in Europe. We met up with a friend from Belgium named Carl. He introduced us to several other (alt) artist/photographers from Paris, Brussels and The Netherlands.


Saturday night we had dinner at Martin Becka's house in Paris (7 minutes from the heart of the city). Becka is a famous French Calotypist (he makes large negatives on paper and then contact prints them c.~1840s). He and his wife, Sophie, were very kind and generous. There were eight of us at his house. Everyone ate, drank, talked and shared/showed work. We didn't leave until after midnight - a truly wonderful Parisian lifestyle that I could embrace very easily.

Below: Jean and I in Bievres, France - Sunday, June 3, 2007.


Sunday morning we all met for coffee at a cafe in Bievres (suburb of Paris). After espresso (eXpresso if you are from Utah), we wandered the photo show for a few hours. We met up for breakfast at 0900 (Champagne, bread and a rice dish). Wandered the show again for a few hours and then met for lunch. After lunch, we said goodbye.

It was a fantastic time. I feel very, very blessed to be having these experiences. Who would have ever thought that I would get invited to share photographs, eat good food, drink good wine and talk art in Paris with a bunch of well-known artists?? Not me! It reminds me of that scene in "Wayne's World" where Garth is always saying, "I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy," when in the company of Heather Locklear *grin* (no, I don't idolize them, but it is a treat to share work, drink and food with them.. remember; I'M FROM UTAH!)

Below: The photo fair/show was loaded with 19th C. gear. I know where to go when I need another wet plate camera, lens, et al.



 


Above: This is the European Alt Photo/Artist gang.

They come from all over Europe to attend this show. This is an annual thing for them and now we are a part of it! Next Saturday, we are on way to Brussels. I had a mobile darkroom built (fits in the trunk of the Passat) and need to pick it up. We'll meet up with Carl (to the left of me in the photo) and Luc Saturday for lunch. I'm looking forward to some of that Belgium beer *grinning*

Oh, one more thing, driving in Paris is a real challenge - if you've never done it, you should give it a go sometime. It gives new meaning to "driving".

Below: When you are in Paris you have to get a Nutella Crepe! It's Parisian law!! They were so good!!!