Re: Difficult Photo Processes (reply)

Hamish Stewart & Sophie Colmont (Hamish.Sophie@wanadoo.fr)
Sun, 08 Feb 1998 22:43:59 +0100

>Subject: Re: Difficult Photo Processes

>
>pmurf@concentric.net wrote:
>
>> What is there to gain by making a thing seem
>> difficult ?
>> ....
>> I also wish to echo the sentiments of those
>> who believe that the real value of an alternative
>> process lies in what the process contributes
>> syntactically to the original SEEING of the
>> photographer.

ABSOLUTELY. Alternative process is just that, another way of printmaking
syntax, its not the be it and end all of the photographic act. A
beautifully made platinum print can be just a historical curiosity or if
the image really moves you, something close to a conversation experience
:-). In all these arguments about how difficult (or not) a process is we
forget that the idea we are seeking to communicate visually (the image)
is really of primary importance. And in my mind that is the only part
that is really difficult. Communicating an idea visually, through the
medium of photography can be a real intense struggle at times. The
process part for me is about patience, determination and practise, but it
is not some arcane mystery. Turning alternative process into something
arcane IMHO just misses the point. A photograph is not a good photograph
because it is a beautiful platinum print - it only becomes that if the
process contributes to the visual communication. Making platinum prints
(or anything else for that matter) just because its platinum is a bit of
a wank.
Sorry to make such strong statements on this list, but I would like to
think we could all respect each other for the efforts we all make to
master our printmaking syntax. After all isn't the process of mastering a
technique, and making new discoveries as a result that makes it all
worthwhile? (You know the journey is more important than the destination).
Statements that suggest that the bulk of the people on the list couldn't
master a particular process is destructive and snobbish. I work in
alternative processes because I feel it contributes to what I want to say
with my pictures. And I enjoy facilitating workshops on gum printing
because I want to see more people explore the process. Historical
processes don't exist in glass cases in a museum (or shouldn't) they need
to be alive and breathing in the present. And the only way that happens
is by encouraging, and assisting people to undertake their own
investigations. Okay, so maybe not everyone can make as perfect a print
as someone else, but is that a reason to discourage them to continue?

Okay I have said my piece as have others enough already. Can we move on?
Hamish