W. Eugene Smith's Darkroom

I find the whole antiseptic autopsy room darkroom thingy rather difficult to look at. A darkroom needs to have heart, it needs to have feeling to it, it needs to have history. The room should be a place of inspiration and creatively not a shiny stainless steel thing with nothing on the walls.  Check out my all time favourite photographers darkroom W. Eugene Smith. Smith was one of the greatest printers of all time and created in my view the greatest photo ever taken "Tomoko Uemura in Her Bath, 1971.

Here is a story on Smith and his darkroom, worth a look see.

http://www.oocities.org/minoltaphotographyw/

The great W. Eugene Smith, in his home darkroom space

Darkroom #2 First Film Development

Well this was another busy off week, I worked again on my secondary darkroom. After doing some light proofing of 3 doors and 3 windows in my new darkroom #2, it is now ready for use. I still need to put some kind of air exhaust system in place but the electrician has not gotten back to me on that just yet. Over the last several days  I developed 15 rolls or so of 35mm and plan on doing my first roll of 120 film tonight.

This new darkroom is great to do film development in. The big deep metal sink works well for this purpose. Both mixing chemistry and developing film in tanks works much better if you can lower your stinky-messy chemistry down into a deep metal hole while developing. There is less splashing, less accidental spillage, less overall mess. Everything just flows smoother and is cleaner in a deeper sink. You can quickly wash up any accidents, quickly wash your tanks, bottles, graduates etc.

I made up a few contact prints and a few RC work prints a few days back as well. I prefer the big metal sinks I have in darkroom #1 for printing but these plastic sink jobs do the work adequately. They should be OK for platinum printing, wet plate stuff and teaching students. Having 5 different sinks with 5 different water sources and drains in darkroom #2 also helps things out quite a bit. It just cuts down the walking and allows you to multi task. It gives you the ability to do things in different and more efficient ways. For example yesterday I had 5 films washing in a washer in the big metal sink and then put a small 2-35mm tank into a separate smaller sink to wash at the same time. It saved me time, was faster and more efficient. I did it all at one time, using 1 timer.

Am still adjusting and modifying things in darkroom #2. Trying to figure how to do everything in this new space. What works best? What is most fluid? Trying to set up the best locations for things like towels, timers, pails, tongs, gloves, thermometers and all the other stuff you need in a darkroom space. I have scissors located in 3 different locations now (cutting chemistry packagers, cutting film strips, and a general area for other stuff).

One other thing I really love about darkroom #2 is the TV and music sections of the space. Two days ago I had "The Agony and the Ecstasy" playing (Charlton Heston as Michelangelo) and last night had some, Queen, new-used LP classical and Folk music (140 records bought Friday for $75) stuff playing. Working in a darkroom developing film is a rather, same-same, monotonous job. It is not exciting like printing is, so having some music or the sound track of a good movie going is always a welcome compliment as you work. Interesting sounds help divert the mind in a positive way. As long as you can keep focus on developing your film properly and not make mistakes, music and movies help me stay happy. They help keep me AWAKE! Plus they help me think of new photo ideas, new types of things I want to create and produce. Music, movies, books, camera gear are a wonderful enhancement in darkroom #2.  Having all that stuff around me as I work helps INSPIRE ME to make new negatives, figure out new projects and think in new directions.

"Ain't Photography Grand!!"

Link to the film "The Agony and the Ecstasy"

Developing big metal sink area for film with chair. Interesting side note, the legs on this chair are from my baby high-chair. Dad made it up into a work chair for his kitchen space many years ago. So I am sitting on the same legs developing film now at 54 as I was eating baby food then when I was 2 years old.

Reels drying in sink #3. The drying stand was made years ago when I was young before I had darkroom #1

Wide view of darkroom #2

Sink #3 on wet side of darkroom, with newish (bought used but was almost new-$50) humidifier

2 of the enlargers on dry side of darkroom with old style paper safe (never used it in darkroom #1

Dry enlarger side of darkroom with dads old large garbage can in place

Second sink in darkroom #2 with Zone VI 11x14 washer

Stereo cameras and new-used Leica R6.2 with 21mm F4 lens

Dad (Blad ring flash)

Part of wet side of darkroom #2

Bla Thai sex worker from 2009 (Blad and ring flash) as well as the 6x9 Fuji camera with flash and stereo viewer with temp prints

Wider view of part of darkroom #2 wet side

Drying sink for tanks etc.

Old style medical film drying cabinet (second door  glass still being repaired)

Big film development, chemical mixing sink

Darkroom Number 1 Versus Darkroom Number 2

This is how I hope to use the 2 darkrooms I now have.

Darkroom #1

1) Developing of all sheet film as I have my Jobo processor and tanks at this location.

2) The printing of all larger exhibition prints. My best enlargers, lens, photo paper, sinks are in darkroom #1. I got to use my Durst 1200 enlarger for the big-important prints. I also have a 5x7 and 8x10 enlarger in this darkroom and 2-4x5 version Saunders LPL units.

3) The printing of very large prints.

Darkroom #2

1) Development of all roll films, 35mm and 120 films. I find darkroom # 2 with its deep metal sink, larger work space, music and TV work better for developing film. Film development can be rather monotonous, doing it in a space with entertainment, makes the work easier to do. The only only down side that I can see about developing film in darkroom #2 is that my old style medical cabinet film dryer is not as good as the full sized REAL film driving cabinet in darkroom #1.

2) Wet plate work, experimentation and learning. I will learn wet plate in this darkroom.

3) All platinum printing and other new-old processes.

4) Workshops for students.

5) Possible rentals.

6) Negative organization, contact sheets, cutting, scanning and filing. I have a larger light table, I have the positive viewing device, I have neg binders in shelves, all in this space. I need to organize my lifetime of negatives here. Will try to end my negative search-finding nightmare.

7) Stereo photography, making of stereo prints etc.

8) The printing of very large prints.

Metal Table Easels

Ordered a couple of these to test for the Clareview library gig. Price was $16.99 CAD. If they do work and they do fit in the space will get more for the other window shelves. They might be too big, or too small, not sure just yet. I can use these at home as well or for future artist talk. This device will allow me to show a print on nearby a table as I speak.

Adjustable display stand easel

Facebook Posting About Clareview Library

Got a chance to show the work at a local library, so going to go fo it. There is a small possibility we might also get an artist talk as well later on. The way I look at, any venue to promote and tell the stories of the Families in the Mae Sot Dump is a good one, an opportunity that cannot be missed. Hopefully this leads to more positives. 

One thing is that it will get me off my butt and printing soon. Most of my "Families of the Dump" photographs are currently in Penticton with the chance at getting into a traveling exhibition (still unknown). So I will need to make new prints.

Clareview Library Show

Today I got a nice opportunity to show the of the "Family of the Dump" pictures at the Clareview Library here in Edmonton. Any opportunity to show the work is a good opportunity. There is of course no artist fee, and it ain't exactly MOMA but heck a chance to show the work is a chance to show the work. There is also the chance that in the future this could lead to a Artist Talk somewhere in the vast web of the Edmonton Public Library System.

They have a set up of glass 6 glass shelves measuring  over 22 inch long a piece. I can place one 2 framed and matted 16x20 photos on each shelve (one facing each direction). I will to do up a artist statement for the public to read. One shelf might be used to show the donation work done at the dump. I could even include some of the artifacts I have recovered (toys and the like found in the garbage). The photos have to be geared to a family audience (do not want to traumatize anyone!) but I think this could be a small but effective presentation. It is set for August 2019, not sure how long it will run after my return from Thailand.

Because most of my "Families of the Dump" prints are still in Penticton I will have to reprint the work used or use some of my older pre printed work. Not sure which images will be shown just yet, most likely a mix of film and digital work.

Note* The library branch is filled with children, maybe the work will inspire one to do their own art, or to help those in need somewhere somehow. Sometimes things like this have many positive repercussions.

Clareview library and recreation centrelbuilding

2 of the cabinet areas the pictures will be shown in.

Bought Me A R Series Leica Motordrive.

Picked up a motor drive for the Leica 6 tonight. These things go cheap at $16.93 CAD with another $26.81 for shipping. Shipping cost more than the item! Coming in from Japan. Not sure I need this but it might be a good thing to have, in certain situations. It will give me the ability to shoot at between 2 and 4 frames a second if needed. The only negative is the extra weight, not sure I will take it with to Asia, but I could use in the future in Canada.

Leica Motor Drive R

Artist Talk Side View Photo From PhotoNOLA 2013

Found this tonight, guess it was posted in 2015. The photo was made in New Orleans in 2013 when I was doing an artist talk for the Thai Sex Worker Series "Body Sellers".  I also included a link to a old Slate.com article on that same series and a bit of background on the pictures which were made in 2007-2009-2012. Many of the same workers were photographed multiple times during those years.

Gosh I look rather round here! Good thing I am currently on a diet!

Body Sellers Article On Slate.com



PhotoNOLA 2013 Gerry Yaum Gallery Talk, Photo by Samuel Portera

The Heart Of Billy Holliday

I so love Billy Holiday, her voice, her music, touches you on such a deep level. Just ordered some more of her music tonight off Amazon.

The reviews are from this site:
http://www.jazzwisemagazine.com/artists/14062-billie-holiday-greatest-recordings

 I plan on eventually getting the other recommended CDs as well (LPs are to expensive for me):

Lady in Satin: Billy Holiday ($5.15 CAD plus shipping, tax)

Lady In Satin Columbia/Legacy
Billieʼs physical decline is very much in evidence on this profoundly moving record, indeed, some fans have actually claimed they can hear her dying. Yet many also hear on this and the Verve recordings a maturity of interpretation beyond anything the young Holiday was able to achieve.

Lady Day: The Complete Billly Holiday On Columbia 1933-44 ($60.42 CAD plus tax, free shipping)

Lady Day: The Complete Billie Holiday On Columbia 1933-1944
Columbia/Legacy
This is one of the cornerstones of recorded jazz. Capturing the singer at the height of her powers, with a roster of sidemen that includes Jack Teagarden, Roy Eldridge, Ben Webster and Lester Young, the 10CD box set presents the songs – all 153 of them - in chronological order. Beginning with ‘Your Mother’s Son-In-Law’ recorded with Benny Goodman And His Orchestra in 1933 and concluding with ‘Until The Real Thing Comes Along’ accompanied by Teddy Wilson And His Orchestra, the final 78 Holiday recorded for Columbia in 1942, the breathtaking scope of Holiday’s artistry is laid bare. CDs seven to 10 feature an additional 77 tracks consisting of alternate takes, broadcast and film soundtracks, plus two concert performances from 1944. The 40-page CD booklet (previously a whopping 116 pages) includes photos, song list and an insightful essay by Gary Giddins. File under: essential. – Peter Quinn

Quote: Braden Holtby (Washington Capitals Hockey Team Goalie)

On why he is not attending the White House celebration for winning the Stanley Cup.

“My family and myself, we believe in a world where humans are treated with respect regardless of your stature, what you’re born into,"

Got All My New-Used Leica Gear

Got the Leica R6.2 body and the Leica 21mm F4 over the last few days. My gear for the next trip to Thailand and the dump looks to be as follows. Most all my cameras are film cameras, I use Tri-x B/W film.

- Leica R6.2 with 24mm F2.8
- Leica R6 with 21mm F4
- Leica 60mm F2.8 macro lens
- Leica M6 with 35mm F1.4 lens (for shooting in low light)
- Canon 5D Mark 3 (my beat up digital for possible night shooting at faster ASAs)

I might also be taking a stereo camera or a medium format or a view camera (Banarama Polaroid Conversion Camera). Not sure just yet, want to travel as fast and light as possible.

The R Leica system cameras and lens I will take with me

Families of the dump, 2013 35mm Leica/Tri-x photographs

John Thompson Thoughts

from Facebook...

Gerry Yaum

Got an amazing photo book today. "SIAM Through the Lens of John Thomson 1865-66" It blew me away. Love his portrait work, of the people of all types, from kings to ordinary folk on the street. There is such a beauty and straight forward honesty to it all. An amazing photographer, ordered his book on China as well. Never heard of him until I saw something about him somewhere here in in Facebook land. Thanks folks! Thompson makes me want to take my view camera back to Thailand.

80 Pushups

Felt strong today, some days that happens. I ended up pushing myself and doing 80 pushups. Have not done 80 at one time for several years. I should mention these are fast pushups and hardly perfect form! The recent weight loss is no doubt helping things along. 80 is a nice number for an almost 55 year old (3 weeks or so to go).

Wonder if I can reach 100? That should be my goal, I think one time when I as 10-15 years younger I did that. It was only a one time thing, and not sure if I miscounted or not. I do not see why I cannot reach 100 again, am not too old and shitty just yet. I would have to do it on one of my strong days thou, and would have to build more muscle and lose more weigh first. Today felt good until 50 then it started hurting, 70-80 was slow and painful. I have noticed with pushups you always hit a wall then go downhill fast after that.

Blown Away! By " Siam Through the Lens" By John Thomson

This book of wet plate photos by photographer John Thomson made in 1865-66 completely blew me away. Why had I not heard of this photographer before, stunning quality, and power in his imagery. Highly recommended. What an important book, filled with inspirational and moving photographs. I ordered his China book as well (found me a cheaper ex Library copy online). The photos below are from his "Siam" book and I think his "China" book.

Note* Viewing Thompson's work is inspiring. It makes me want to take my 4x5 or 5x7 camera back to Thailand, the dump and elsewhere to make portraits. I might even take the Banarama Polaroid conversion camera with flash! Paying tribute to the people at the dump and elsewhere with beautiful portraits, what is better than that? "Ain't Photography Grand!!!!"

Young Siamese boy, Bangkok 1865

Oarsman, Petchaburi Thailand, 1865

A Boatwoman Guanghou, Guangdong 1869-70

1871, John Thomson in Amoy, China

An old Cantonese Woman, Guangzhou, Guangdong

A Manchu Bride, Beijing 1871-72

A Cantonese Beauty, Guangzhou, Guangdong 169-71

One of 12 white elephants belonging to King Rama IV of Siam

Portrait of a Princess

H.M. King Mongkut, Rama IV

H.M. King of Siam and Procession

A woman from the Manchu, once the dominant ethnic group in China, is photographed as her hair is dressed with flowers