[alt-photo] Re: Alt Process Group

[Diana Bloomfield]

I didn't know you were in Asheville, Clay.  I'm in Raleigh, but several hours away from the mountains.  But I think they're must be a lot of people who do 'alternative process' printing up there.  The Asheville Art Museum had a group exhibit several years ago, titled  'Hand-Made Pictures,' and while a lot of the exhibitors were from out of town, I do know that Robin Dreyer who is still at Penland (about an hour from you) does-- or used to do-- a lot of alt printing, and he was in that show.  A woman named Christine Patterson who (I think) lives in Knoxville was also in it.  I can't think of any other names right now, but I'm pretty sure there are a lot in your area.  I think Robin is on this list, or used to be on it.

Just to offer another perspective here-- I'm in this group that meets once a month, and I'm the only person in it who does alt printing.  That sounds very sad, but it's  just the best group of people. We're all incredibly diverse in what we do-- but we all get along so well, and everybody is really supportive of each other's efforts.  The personalities mesh so well, and I can't tell you how much I've learned from each of them.  It's the first photo group I've ever belonged to where I actually look forward to the meetings.  And even though no one does alt process printing, except for me, I so admire the imagery and expertise of this group.  I'm just blown away most of the time by what they can do and how really helpful everyone is.  And I did manage to convince one of the members that a particular series he was working on would be so outstanding if printed in platinum/palladium.  So-- after some work-- that's what he's now doing.  So, in the most subversive way, I'm slowly converting everyone. 

But sometimes I think that I learn so much by being around photographers/printers who are simply interesting, engaged people and who do really compelling work themselves-- and who are always helpful and supportive.  I feel like they learn from me, and I learn an awful lot from them-- besides just generally liking them as people.  I've been in groups before where I just didn't like the personalities involved-- no matter how well they might print (in alt processes).   

So, for me, getting together with a particular group of like-minded people is great-- but they don't all necessarily have to be alt process printers.  I'd rather them just do compelling work and be interesting people with good personalities-- oh, and a good sense of humor.  Gosh, that sounds like a lot to ask-- but that's much more important to me than if we all printed in the same way.  If I need to see some real alt prints somewhere, I know where to find them.  I just don't necessarily want to see the people who have them as often as once a month.  That really sounds bad--  but that's my 2 cents. ;)


On Feb 26, 2013, at 8:11 PM, clay harmon's personal website email account wrote:

> Speaking of Sandy and Sam - I know they live within 90 minutes of where I am located in Asheville, North Carolina. I also know there are a few local photographers who dabble in the alt-arts. Are there any other alt-folks living in the East Tennessee/Western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina region who might be interested in an occasional gathering in the Asheville or Greenville area? I know we can guarantee a wide selection of great beers here in Asheville...
> 
> Drop me an email off-list and maybe we can pull something together. It is always refreshing to see the work of others, if for no other reason so that  you slap yourself on the forehead and say "Why didn't I think of that?".
> 
>