As for other business, I want to thank all of you who responded to my
request for information on inkjet negs. I went out and bought an HP
printer and tried it and didn't have such good results (so I promptly
returned the printer to WalMart). Perhaps I should try an Epson--the
resolution is certainly higher with those. I was disappointed with the
printer I bought, particularly since I have generally had good results with
HP products.
Also, some time back I requested information on digital neg curves for
cyanotype printing. A number of people sent helpful info, but then my HD
crashed, so I lost it. If anyone has a working curve file for Photoshop 4
(Win95), I would greatly appreciate a copy. Failing that, if someone has
the raw numbers and some tips on making a curve file, I would be most
grateful.
If any of your are interested in a publishing opportunity, I publish a
webzine called Pink Cadillac which carries art and literature. The
upcoming issue (which I hope to put up in the next week or so) will include
watercolors by California artist David Rosales, and I would be very pleased
to put up a selection of alt photo works. If you have anything
interesting, please feel free to send me one or two as an "audition," and
please keep the file sizes fairly small so that I don't accidentally get
mailbombed. Also of great interest would be an essay on the larger
significance of the interest in alt processes (i.e., attitudes toward
technology, etc.).
Last, as for the discussion of the evils of Photoshop, I have to say that,
as others have pointed out, it's a means to an end. If it helps you to
make a better print, then go for it. I realize the importance of craft,
but it seems to me that many in the alt process crowd are fixated on craft.
I cannot honestly say that I have ever looked at a print and marveled at
the photographer's command of spotting or been taken with the evenness of
the borders, but I do look at the overall effect. And yes, I can also
spot. It reminds me of the bitter controversy a few years back over
whether people who used electronic cameras were really true photographers.
Fortunately that discussion has died. (For the record, I use manual
equipment.)
Again, if you're interested in doing a gallery, or if you have a cyanotype
curve, please let me know.
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Jason P. Mitchell
Department of English
The University of Mississippi
University, MS 38677
jmitchel@olemiss.edu
http://www.olemiss.edu/~jmitchel
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