Next month I will have a gallery exhibition of 33 Ukraine village images printed with UV cured ink on 20x20 birch panels. These digital photographs are not “commercial.” The presentation method helps tell the story of rural life surrounded by nature. I am a purist. I spent decades in the wet darkness. Few moments are more exciting than watching prints wake up in a tray. Yet all the new media is exciting to explore. So I stay curious.
This is really so exciting. As I mentioned at the end of my article, it will be artists such as you that will raise the bar so that these alternative display media will come into their own as fine art. Where will your exhibition be held? Would you be willing to take images of the show and send them to me so we can share it with readers? How about a link to your work on the birch panels that we can share? Thanks for sharing this comment with the community.
The show will run in Charlotte, NC, through mid December and then travel to Lexington, KY, for January and February...other venues in '23 are still pending. I will be happy to share once the links are up.
Excellent, I will share this with my photography friends in Charlotte, as well.
One note from a guy who works for one of those big commercial printing operations. Our supply chain department asked for recommendations on alternatives to Russian birch for UV photo printing substrates.
Brought up memories of spending hours in the darkroom back in college. Out of our small black and white photography class only a few others spent nearly as much time as I did at the studio. Those were wonderful times waiting on the magic to happen.
I agree, Joan. They were magical times. My grandfather made his living taking pictures of mothers and their children. I remember when he took me into his darkroom and seeing those prints magically appear.
Coming from the traditional darkroom all the way through to my beloved Epson 9800 and beautiful Canson papers I understand the waverings about media used. My first thought when I see prints on metal is ‘but there was so much more potential’. If the reduced gamut, but super saturated looks spins someone’s wheels fine, but give me a combo of paper, skill and ink that extracts the maximum possible from all the info we are capable of capturing any day.
I've always liked subtle gradations in print both color and tonal far more than in your face color and contrast...
I've found the former far better to "live with" and the later good for grabbing attention at a glance on-line or as advertising. Horses for courses as they say.
I must say that aside from adoring your incredible fine art(work), I was so absorbed by your article I had to delay dinner preparations. I can safely call your work fine art because it is obvious what the source comes from. For those of you reading this response, I urge you to read Eden's deep and important article to gain insights into what constitutes fine art and art itself. I thank you so much for sharing this. I intend to write a piece and link readers to it.
Before you say aluminum prints are not "fine art", check out Linda Connor's recent work. I don't think anyone can claim she is not a fine art photographer.
Douglas, as I said in my article, I do not disparage aluminum art. I am in hopes that aluminum displays, as with other media, will be embraced by talented artists such as Conner and rise to the level of fine art. I look forward to that, in fact!
Personally the aluminum print is no different then the new monitors which I just got, a new LG ultra 5K 27 inch. I was stunned when viewing images on it. I do understand where you are coming from regarding the "fine art" of a print. I believe all of the new techniques have a place. I have done two gallery exhibits using Canson Velin Museum Rag for my work of the 40th & 50th My Lai Anniversary Memorials.
Next month I will have a gallery exhibition of 33 Ukraine village images printed with UV cured ink on 20x20 birch panels. These digital photographs are not “commercial.” The presentation method helps tell the story of rural life surrounded by nature. I am a purist. I spent decades in the wet darkness. Few moments are more exciting than watching prints wake up in a tray. Yet all the new media is exciting to explore. So I stay curious.
This is really so exciting. As I mentioned at the end of my article, it will be artists such as you that will raise the bar so that these alternative display media will come into their own as fine art. Where will your exhibition be held? Would you be willing to take images of the show and send them to me so we can share it with readers? How about a link to your work on the birch panels that we can share? Thanks for sharing this comment with the community.
Hi. I have an image of the show. Where would you like it?
You can send it to news@paperartscollective.com
Thanks
The show will run in Charlotte, NC, through mid December and then travel to Lexington, KY, for January and February...other venues in '23 are still pending. I will be happy to share once the links are up.
I have photographer friends in Charlotte. I may be there in fall. At the very l least I’m sure they would like to attend. What venue?
The new Dove Gallery at Central Piedmont Community College; exhibition opens October 31.
https://blogs.cpcc.edu/cpccartgalleries/upcoming-exhibitions/
Excellent, I will share this with my photography friends in Charlotte, as well.
One note from a guy who works for one of those big commercial printing operations. Our supply chain department asked for recommendations on alternatives to Russian birch for UV photo printing substrates.
Brought up memories of spending hours in the darkroom back in college. Out of our small black and white photography class only a few others spent nearly as much time as I did at the studio. Those were wonderful times waiting on the magic to happen.
I agree, Joan. They were magical times. My grandfather made his living taking pictures of mothers and their children. I remember when he took me into his darkroom and seeing those prints magically appear.
highly recommend danburkholder.com for alternative processes...
Coming from the traditional darkroom all the way through to my beloved Epson 9800 and beautiful Canson papers I understand the waverings about media used. My first thought when I see prints on metal is ‘but there was so much more potential’. If the reduced gamut, but super saturated looks spins someone’s wheels fine, but give me a combo of paper, skill and ink that extracts the maximum possible from all the info we are capable of capturing any day.
I've always liked subtle gradations in print both color and tonal far more than in your face color and contrast...
I've found the former far better to "live with" and the later good for grabbing attention at a glance on-line or as advertising. Horses for courses as they say.
You might enjoy my article: What is fine art?
https://www.edensart.com/what-is-fine-art
Eden,
I must say that aside from adoring your incredible fine art(work), I was so absorbed by your article I had to delay dinner preparations. I can safely call your work fine art because it is obvious what the source comes from. For those of you reading this response, I urge you to read Eden's deep and important article to gain insights into what constitutes fine art and art itself. I thank you so much for sharing this. I intend to write a piece and link readers to it.
Thank you, Les, for your thoughtful comments. I appreciate them.
Before you say aluminum prints are not "fine art", check out Linda Connor's recent work. I don't think anyone can claim she is not a fine art photographer.
Douglas, as I said in my article, I do not disparage aluminum art. I am in hopes that aluminum displays, as with other media, will be embraced by talented artists such as Conner and rise to the level of fine art. I look forward to that, in fact!
Personally the aluminum print is no different then the new monitors which I just got, a new LG ultra 5K 27 inch. I was stunned when viewing images on it. I do understand where you are coming from regarding the "fine art" of a print. I believe all of the new techniques have a place. I have done two gallery exhibits using Canson Velin Museum Rag for my work of the 40th & 50th My Lai Anniversary Memorials.
Would love to see even some pictures of that show!!!
Just sent images and story. If you do not find them please email @
johnsteelephotography@gmail.com
I agree with Bob... please share some images.