After spending the past two months working on The Sandusky Review, and the past three years working almost exclusively with Polaroids, I’ve been looking for something different. I have a long-term committment to Polaroids; first, they free me from conscious over-manipulation of process or technique. I’ve allowed myself in the past to be rendered immobile from overthinking a project and not following through.
Secondly, I love the immediacy and portability of the work. It’s tiny, and you get it right then, but there can be universes within. I’ve found myself sitting at my computer with a bottle of wine for a half-hour zooming in on scanned photos (like 1966 Pontiac Bonneville, where you can see the owner’s manual in the front seat).
Luckily, there’s a whole other world of Polaroids out there. Namely, working with Polaroid 669 film and an old 420 Land Camera, I’m learning transfers and the general intricacies of timing and the pull-apart hijinx that develop. Oh, and caustic paste! I am also learning about that.
“Brass Halo”—the Fondren chandelier above—was one of my first attempts at a transfer and I do adore the noir moodiness of it but recognize that I have a long way to go. (I also realized today it is likely influenced by one of my favorite recent photographs, the ghostly chandelier by Al Columbia, which graces the interior of the first album by the Postal Service and the old Postal Service site ). The greatest thing is that I’m excited about learning something new and the challenges of a new camera.
Thanks to all of you who’ve said such kind words about the Sandusky Review. It’s really been wonderful to hear. And, many people keep asking how much they were. I was faintly horrified initially to realize that $2 (my desired price point and what is actually printed on the back cover) was not even enough to cover paper costs. Sally encouraged $10 but I think $5 is plenty enough if you’ve got the time or inclination.* Many orders are still in the mail and I’m heading to the p.o. again today, so be patient!
*I also accept the $5 in the form of Sparks.
that’s a whole ‘nother look, and i like it. i hope you haven’t abandoned 600 film altogether, though.
You need to see if you can eBay some Polaroid SX-70 film; apparently you can manipulate the emulsion (I love that word!) for a few hours after taking a picture. (I heard about this on the NYT’s discussion of discontinued products people pine for.)
I’ve got a spare land camera with your name on it waiting for you at Casa Fury. Looking forward to seeing the experiments!
Holy crap! This is fantastic! You have to keep working with these and I want a whole bunch of them to sell. I do have a shop now, ya know?
Um, can I have this one?