From: Jeffrey D. Mathias (jeffrey.d.mathias@worldnet.att.net)
Date: 03/14/01-07:51:41 AM Z
Bob Maxey wrote:
> ... Then there is
> the "Creative" angle which some believe is separate from printing skill.
> I do not think you can separate them entirely. ...
And it can be even more than printing skill.
Not only do I believe that they are linked, I have proved this to myself
over and over.
I initially chose the Pt/Pd process because I was more satisfied with my
work printed using this process. I could never let someone else print
my work as it would not be complete, so if I were to photograph, I had
to learn the Pt/Pd process.
When studying the interrelationships of environmental spaces and
culture, I found that a typical Pt/Pd print was not quite able to
deliver all of the nuances and feeling of the spaces I was
photographing. This lead me to the use of a folding screen format. As
the panels are folded concave and convex, the interpreted image of the
space is manipulated in such a manner that more information is processed
in the mind as to the aspects of the space. The choice of axis is
critical and the screens should be viewed in a multitude of positions
and after time the mind accumulates and discovers information which
characterizes that space.
This eventually lead to some current work I call my Folded Axis Work.
When printing these images I was not quite satisfied that the dynamics
of the image were properly working when printed on paper. I have
printed the set on fabric and have mounted in such a manner that some
light is able to be transmitted from the rear. The balance of about
75-80% reflected and 25-20% transmitted light provides enough
translucency to add life to the dimensional qualities of the images to
help attempt a counter of the strong symmetry inherent in this work.
Lousy digital examples of all this work can be found on my web site
(link below). Just having the image in my mind is not enough, it must
be put on film, printed, and in some cases displayed properly if there
is any chance for my impressions to materialize. Granted some of my
thoughts might be presented with word, music, dance, or drawing, but I
am must comfortable with the Pt/Pd photographic process.
Not withstanding that the folding screens require some tactile
involvement, I have for the most part restricted my presentation to
visual media. This requires the use of the eye. The eye is used to
discover an inspiration or to confirm an inspiration, the eye is used to
control the projection of that inspiration, and the eye is use to convey
interpretation of that inspiration. The eye is utilized at every step
and should be so trained and disciplined. I seriously doubt that a
photograph made by a blind person would have much merit unless they
somehow fall into that exceptional classification such as Beethoven.
Sight and the eye are typically taken for granted, however for a
photographer the eye is the most important piece of equipment. So as
the necessity for an athlete to train body parts, so should the
photographer train the eye.
-- Jeffrey D. Mathias http://home.att.net/~jeffrey.d.mathias/
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