Re: Gums a la Demachy and Puyo and all sorts of other things including cyanot... from TERRYAKING_at_aol.com on 2006-07-18 (July 2006 Alt-Photo-Process-L@usask.ca)

From: TERRYAKING_at_aol.com
Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 16:28:45 -0400 (EDT)
Message-id: <bc6.6fa3d8.31ee9e7d@aol.com>

Loris

I change my method according to the audience. There is no harm in showing six
and seven year olds how to mix dry chemicals even if you do not let them do
it themselves. Remember that many science museums sell cyanotype kits for
children. As the chemicals are so safe, I can see no harm in allowing them to coat
their own paper under very close supervision. One of my students asked me to
teach the classmates of her son. I thought that they would be eleven year
olds but they turned out to be six and seven. That is year 2 or 3 in UK
schools. I just sat on the floor to run the class instead of sitting on a chair. I am
sure that neither of us has any sympathy with the ignoramuses who shy away
from that emotive word 'cyanide'.

I suppose that my main objection to the new cyanotype is that I can see see
no real advantage in using it rather than the classic method. I am not the only
one who takes this view. You may care to set out the two formulas and
methods side by side.

I would love to come to Istanbul and maybe run some joint workshops. I have
not been to Istanbul since 1970. I grew my moustache on the train back to
London.

I changed the reference to the ease of getting ferric ammonium citrate as
there was a brief period about ten years ago when FRC was difficult to get when
the manufacturers of Irn Bru found a different way of adding it to their
drink. We ride on the backs of those who manufacture these things for other
purposes. Have you tried Diet Cole as a platinum developer ?

Actually I do buy many of my alternative process supplies from supermarkets,
do it yourself stores and drug stores. I get at least three from the bakery
department in Sainsbury's.

You will remember that it was on the basis of the difference in complication
that you suggested that I try ink jet printing. I am glad that you now
appreciate the significance of the remark . It was hardly useless to draw it to your
attention as you now realise that your 'ink jet' remark was not only uncalled
for but called into question your understanding of the issues.

All the best.

Terry

In a message dated 18/7/06 6:45:38 pm, mail@loris.medici.name writes:

> Terry,
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: TERRYAKING@aol.com [mailto:TERRYAKING@aol.com]
> Sent: 18 Temmuz 2006 Sal�� 00:24
> To: alt-photo-process-l@usask.ca
> Subject: Re: Gums a la Demachy and Puyo and all sorts of other things
> including cyanot...
>
>
> >"The classic mathod is so easy that I have taught it to kids in infants
> school."
>
> Hear hear, you mean you teached them how to mix their sensitizer from dry
> chemicals? In my view, having infant children playing with dry chemicals is
> a very bad thing to do (even letting them coat their papers - I'd only make
> them print on pre-coated/dryed papers)... If you didn't do so, then I'd like
> that you describe what is more easy in classic cyanotype's modus operandi
> compared to new cyanotype? Because I really don't understand it (I simply
> don't see any difference). If you're insisting on the idea of using new
> cyanotype is hard I kindly invite you to our beatiful Istanbul for a free
> workshop on new cyanotype from me (satisfaction guaranteed). (And think of
> many interesting places to see/photograph!)
>
> >"Ferric ammonium citrate is a food additive and is usually easy to obtain.
> One does not have to get one's chemicals from chemical suppliers."
>
> I see that "Easy to obtain" became "usually easy to obtain" :) Can you
> please enlighten me where I can locate Ammonium Iron(III) Citrate apart
> chemicals suppliers and/or specialized photography suppliers? Spice stores?
> Hehehe...
>
> >"There is an immense difference between what one can achieve with cyanotype
> and what one can achieve with gum."
>
> Thank you for the useless clarification - hehehe...
>
> Loris.
>
Received on 07/18/06-02:29:23 PM Z