Much has happened since my last post. The figure study project I had been working on came to naught, both by my hand and outside forces. Thankfully I have the knowledge that I cancelled the shoots due to artistic apathy and ennui before there were complaints from some parents about “possible improprieties” in the studio. Although the models are all over 18 and therefore legally able to make up their own minds (and vote and die for their country) whether to pose nude or semi-nude and that there has never been any complaints or actual difficulties is apparently besides the point. I was told that I should stop the project. Like I said I am happy that I decided to end it before I heard that news. What’s over and one with is just that. I must admit however that these revelations left me feeling as if my integrity and honor as a man and a photographer had been questioned when really it is a matter of politics for the Center and the director. Once again art and politics clash and the outcome is predictable.
My new work is exclusively 4×5 film, scanning them in the digital lab and then working on them in RAW, PhotoShop and finally printing them on one of the big Epsons. The large format camera is a steep learning curve itself. So far I am achieving some lovely results. The portfolio will be a series of’ “Paros Portraits-People, Places and Things.” I am taking my time with this, although the actual time is limited. 12 pieces need to be finished by December 7th. The same holds true for my darkroom work–12 pieces of MF based on the Italian session and these also have to be matted–all by December 7th. The student show is the 9th and I leave Paros on the 12th to return to the USA on the 15th.
The weather has been up and down. Cool at night, dry and sunny during the day with a north wind that whips all the warmth from the stones. We are expecting tough weather this weekend with rain, Force 9 winds and temperatures in the low 40s F.
There are other things to blog about but as of now they are vague. When I can speak of them with surety, I will. Right now, mums the word!
JDCM
Comments are closed.