Silk Screen Art Making Plans

Been thinking of my sideline art, silk screen prints on paper. I will go it on my own at first, setting up an outdoors printing area. I have started to buy supplies. Am also going to make my own wooden screens to save money. I have always taught myself, am a self taught kinda guy and this latest art venture is no different.

If things go well and if I like the process and the art created, I might try printing on canvas. I could even at some future date submit the paintings for exhibitions. Lets see how things work out. Lots of questions yet!!

Another possibility is taking an advanced course at SNAP (Society of Northern Alberta Print-Artists) here in Edmonton, after I teach myself the basics, and then using/renting their facilities during the winter months (when I cannot work at home, outside). That is assuming of course I become proficient enough at the process that they issue me access and a fob.  SNAP charges $198 CAD a month plus a membership cost. I think there an old fogey discount as well, that i should qualify for.

PS. Thank you Jim G, for introducing me to SNAP! 

https://snapartists.com/ 

SNAP facility

History Remembered

David Kirby was born in a small Ohio town, where he had a difficult adolescence due to his sexuality. After graduation, he moved to California, and he became an outspoken AIDS activist as the disease devastated the country in the 1980s. Then, he learned that he'd contracted HIV. Although he was estranged from his family at the time, Kirby called his parents and asked if he could come home to Ohio to die surrounded by his loved ones. After undergoing treatment at a local hospital, he was ultimately transferred to Pater Noster House, a hospice facility for AIDS patients.

 

He died there on May 5, 1990, at age 32 — but David Kirby's story wasn't over. A photojournalism student named Therese Frare had taken photos of Kirby on his deathbed, and one was published in "LIFE" later that year. Today, it's one of the most iconic images from the epidemic, and it revealed the true devastation of AIDS at a time when the disease was still largely misunderstood by the general public. Learn more about David Kirby and his tragic final moments.

 

photo by Therese Frare

Silkscreen Making Bible

Hope this helps on my silkscreen journey. Should be making prints of the photography this summer. Gathering supplies and knowledge, a fun side art thingy.

Link: 2 AMBROTYPES of the Plant Rejected

The 2 Ambrotypes I wrote of early were rejected by the Strathcona Art People. I was told that because I did not live in the region I did not qualify. Never mind that I worked over 30 years in the region and the facility was an integral part of the community. 

Nothing says art and the search for art like RULES RULES RULES. These people need to bend a few RULES to have a collection of art that really matters. As the Thais say "Up to Them!!"

This is the second rejection for this work. I guess it is not as strong as I feel. At least in the eyes of the art folk making the buying decisions.

 Link To Ambros offered for sale

Fanny and Freddy, Back to Life!

Getting the motor home FANNY ready for the AMBROTTPE making season. Working on the darkroom trailer FREDDY this week as well!

Tarps off, batteries in!!!!

 

Khun Dom, Memory

This picture of Khun Dom was posted 6 years ago on my FaceBook page. He is long gone, not sure if he passed on or just moved away. He sold YaBa tablets to passing Thais on motorbikes. A bit of an excentric fellow, but he was always nice to me.

His memory makes me wonder, who I will find under the freeway my next visit. Thais can be such good and kind people, I look forward to new friendships. 

Dom 58, THE FAMILIES OF THE DUMP, Klong Toey Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2019 

More Thrift Show Art Books

Today’s Thrift store art books. Total cost $9.79 CAD. The Pompeii book is especially interesting, which I got free, buy 4 (30% discount for old age), 5th is free.

Links: Discovered a New Turner Painting

 

Mount Vesuvius in Eruption

J.M.W. Turner

• Date: 1817
• Style: Romanticism
• Genre: marina
• Media: watercolor, paper
• Location: Yale Centre For British Art (Yale University), New Haven, CT, US
• Dimensions: 39.7 x 28.6 cm

Buying Supplies for Silkscreen Printing

I have started to buy supplies, tools to do silkscreen printing. I will try to save money where possible. I will make my own screens to start with, see how that goes. Not take a course yet, see if I can manage it on my own. 

Hopefully I can start making some prints on paper this summer. Maybe eventually printing onto canvas, making paintings I can exhibit at galleries. I can then use that money earned from exhibitions to help the people in the original photographs.

Bought a Power Washer

I have tried to be more careful with money since my retirement but felt I needed this tool. I will use it to wash the motor home, the truck, and the car along with washing around the house. I also intend to use it to wash my screens in my coming silk screen art work. I probably can figure out a way to use it on the wet plate project as well. 

Got the Dewalt 2400 PSI, 13 AMP Corded Electric Cold Water Pressure water. Cost was $379 CAD, which is supposedly a $60 discount. Dewalt has served me well when it comes to my woodworking tools, so decided to go that way again after watching several YouTube videos on the product.

Product details:

Overview

Model # DWPW2400 Store SKU # 1001592017

You can rely on the durable, mobile, and powerful DEWALT 2400 psi Pressure Washer, delivering enough power to handle your outdoor cleaning tasks. Be prepared to tackle just about any job or wash your vehicle with the accessories you need. This Cold Water Pressure Washer comes equipped with five nozzles, including a Turbo nozzle and built in storage for organization. Built to transport over rugged terrain, the pressure washer features premium 10 in. pneumatic wheels so you can take it to the jobsite. The 2400 PSI Cold Water Pressure Washer is backed by a 3 Year Limited Warranty.

1. Power through a variety of cleaning tasks with a 2400 max psi and 1.1 gpm

1. Stay organized with on-board nozzle, hose, cord, and wand storage

1. Clean with detergent by using integrated soap tank

1. Withstand heavy duty usage with 25 ft. kink resistant hose

1. Wide outlet range with 35 ft. power cord

1. Includes: (1) DWPW2400 Pressure Washer, (1) Turbo Nozzle, (1) 15° Nozzle, (1) 25° Nozzle, (1) 40° Nozzle, (1) Soap Nozzle, (1) Wand & (1) Hose

 

A Couple of New THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY Portaits

 

Khun Apple, with head bandana, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok , Thailand 2025

Khun Ann, lost in thought, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY,  Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025

More, More, New Edits

Some new ones, from tonight, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY. Added 5 new images from these new edits to the Social Documentary Power Point presentation.

Man with one eye, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025

Khun Yao 75, watches me, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025

More New Edits

Some more new edits of THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY work.

    Young girl with father, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025

Khun Prem, smiling, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025

Khun Prem, thinking, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY,  Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025

Khun Dao, with hand raised, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025

Khun Apple, confused, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025

Link: Photogravure Anyone?

Went to a printmaking cooperative type shop here in Edmonton today, called SNAP. Met a friend there who showed me the building then made some Photogravure prints, lovely stuff.

Also spoke to the several nice staff people and a man doing Silk Screen. 

Thinking of learning Silkscreen at SNAP maybe Photogravure.

Note* My friend Jim even gifted me a print, which I got him to sign. Very nice of him!!!

Note** Thank you everyone at SNAP as well.

https://snapartists.com/ 

Photogravure print and printing plate

Print by Jim Gaa

New Editted 2025 Images

Decided to edit a few more images from the 2025 trip. Nice to find some new photographs. I miss making photos with friends there.

Prem and Dao, sleeping under the freeway, THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY, Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok, Thailand 2025

Link: Another Online Video Interview with FRAMES Magazine Scheduled

I will be having a second online interview with Tomasz from FRAMES magazine. 7 of the photos from THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY are in the current issue of FRAMES, so we will talk about that. 

The interview is scheduled for May 16, will be posted online soon after that. When I have the link I will share it with you all.

We did an earlier online interview. Here is the link to the first one. 

First FRAMES Magazine Interview 

Social Documentary Talk Possibilities?!

My next talk, a ZOOM is scheduled for January 2027. I have been sending out lots of emails to various clubs around the country, mostly Alberta and British Columbia. I have received maybes from photo clubs in Canmore-Alberta, Victoria-British Columbia and Prince George-British Columbia. Folks from those 3 clubs all told me they will get back to me after they speak with their membership.

Hope some of the possibles become a reality as I can then earn more money to help the people in the photographs!! 

Note* Halifax-Nova Scotia has also agreed to a talk, but I am hoping to visit them and do a LIVE show, when I am working on the AMBROTOS KANATA project in Eastern Canada. So no date or type (live or ZOOM has been set).

Camera Fair! Come on Down!

 

Link: First Edmonton Historical Photographic Society Meeting

https://www.edmphotosociety.ca/ 

Went to my first meeting for the Edmonton Historical Photographic Society tonight. I was surprised how much fun I had. Lots of knowledgeable members, lots of fun talk, enjoyable and educational, all round! About 10 older men at tonight's meeting, some new friends there I think.

I will be going back, will take some of my vintage Brass Lens. The theme of the next meeting is cameras over 100 years old. 

Who Knew?

For the fun of it I did a google search on Gerry Yaum, who knew!

------------------- 

Gerry Yaum is an Edmonton-based self-taught social documentary photographer known for his long-term projects documenting vulnerable communities in Southeast Asia and Canada. He is particularly recognized for his series Families of the Dump, which captures the lives of Burmese refugees living in the Mae Sot garbage dumps in Thailand. 

📸 Background and Career

• Pseudonym: The name "Yaum" means "security guard" in Thai, reflecting his long-time profession.
• Dual Life: He has worked as a night security guard for over 25 years, using the quiet time to study languages and photography.
• Philosophy: He believes photography should be a force for social change rather than just "pretty pictures". 

🌏 Key Photography Projects

• Families of the Dump: A decade-long project documenting the resilience and dignity of Mon and Karen refugees in Thailand.
• Under the Freeway: A series documenting the homeless and marginalized populations in Edmonton, Alberta.
• Ambrotype Work: Recently, he has explored historical processes like wet plate collodion and Ambrotype photography. 

🤝 Humanitarian Approach

• Language Integration: To build trust with his subjects, he learned basic Thai and has studied Burmese.
• Ethical Engagement: He emphasizes treating subjects with respect and kindness to capture "honest dignity" rather than exploiting poverty.
• Recognition: His humanitarian photography has been featured in several exhibitions and art centers across Canada. 

---

If you'd like to explore his work further, I can find:

• A list of current or upcoming exhibitions for his work
• Details on the specific cameras and film he uses (like his Chamonix 16x20)
• More information on his Burmese refugee advocacy efforts

• Gerry Yaum (@gerry_yaum) • Instagram photos and videos

  Self taught social documentary and Ambrotype photographer · Lived in the Belvedere area of Edmonton for over 60 years.

  
  

  Instagram·gerry_yaum
• Interview: Families of the Dump (Forgotten Laughter) - Gerry Yaum

  Jul 12, 2019 — Gerry Yaum is a pseudonym, the made up name Yaum means security guard in Thai. The good part of being a guard is that you have ple...

  
  

  Asia Photo Review

  
  
• Canadian Photographers Making A Difference - Yaum's Photo Diary

  Mar 16, 2019 — Security guard by night and humanitarian by day, Edmonton-based photographer Gerry Yaum is driven to share the stories behind the ...

  
  

  Gerry Yaum

Quote: Albert Schweitzer

 

"Ethics is nothing other than Reverence for Life. Reverence for Life affords me my fundamental principle of morality, namely, that good consists in maintaining, assisting and enhancing life, and to destroy, to harm or to hinder life is evil."

 

Trying to Upgrade the Social Documentary PowerPoint Talk - PHOTOGRAPHY AS A FORCE FOR GOOD

 

Note* Added another 10-12 images, and re edited some that were already in the talk.

Links: Watching a Documentary on Adolf Eichmann

This documentary is terrifying to me. How can a man justify what he did in his own mind, yet act in such a cold and methodical way, responsible for killing millions.

When speaking of his roll in the Holocaust, he simply said of himself "....I was merely a little cog in the machinery...." 

The Trial of Adolf Eichmann

Eichmann's Jailhouse Memoirs Part 1, CIA

The Talk in Written, Spoken or Video Form

While in the shower, I had a thought. 

What if I created the Social Documentary Talk "Photography as a Force for Good", in book form. The photographs and the pics, stories, titles in a book (no videos possible). I doubt it would have the impact of a live talk presentation but at least it would have staying power. It would be something to leave behind after my death. Something that would have a chance at helping people, making a bit of a difference in the world. 

The other option is do some kind of PowerPoint live spoken presentation, that might be more impactful but probably seen less.

A video of the talk intercutting me speaking with the presentation photos and vids and photos intercut on PowerPoint might work best. I do not have the money to produce that, unless it was some kind of static camera, which would be boring and near unwatchable. Could I set up several cameras and cut in between them?

Will think more on this.

Note* A Ted Talk? Highly doubtful, but worth a look.

Quote: Ansel Adams

 

Note* Adams had it right, a TRUE PHOTOGRAPH has the power to stand on its own.

Link: Edward Burtynsky and Me

Years back, I saw Edward Burtynsky speak at the Alberta Art Galleries (AGA) Ledger theatre. I marvelled at the time how well he spoke and how confident an eloquent he was. I hoped that some day I could do something close to me. 

Today I received a comment from a friend who attended the Images Alberta Talk. 

"I was really impressed with your presentation at Images Alberta. How your discussion worked with the pictures you showed. And of course, how powerful they are. Not to mention the quality of the images you showed. Among other things, it made me think of a parellel with Edward Burtinsky, in that it's often discussed that he often makes beautiful pictures of ugly things and places. You make great photos of real people in "ugly" situations. In both cases, this tension is part of what makes his and your pictures so powerful."

Note* Obviously I ain't no Burtinsky but it was still nice to read. Thanks ----- for the kind words.

Original Thoughts on the Burtynsky talk from 2010 

$560 Earned to Help the People in the Pictures

 

Note* There might be some other money coming in. FRAMES photography magazine still owes $200 USD and S------- from IACC said she would help raise a bit of money.

Talking at High Schools?

One of the people who attended my Images Alberta Camera Club (IACC) talk suggested I speak at High Schools. A motivational/inspirational speaker of sorts, who can encourage the High School students to a better life. 

A bit frightening, to think of.  I am only a dude who makes photos and worked as a night time security guard for 31 years. Doubt I can motivate or inspire anyone. Maybe the stories can, maybe the photographs can, but certainly not me. I am nothing.

Still, it was nice of her to feel and write that I could. I guess, for her, the talk/photographs and stories were effective and had some small impact.

Quote: Imogen Cunningham (Photographer)

 

Quote: Kurt Cobain

 

Vernon Star Story on Penticton Art Gallery Exhibition of 2018

Donation Total Growing

The new grand total raised so far to help those in need from the social documentry talks sits at:

- $250 CAPS (photo club Red Deer)

- $250 IACC (photo club Edmonton)

- $40 Donation from M--- IACC

- $?? Donation from S---/Family/Friends IACC 

- $20 Donation from a kind man at the CAPS meeting (I had forgotten, thank you) 

So at least $560 CAD. Hoping to get to $1000 CAD

Note* I will need to track this, set up an new link on my blog with these donation numbers, then lower the total on the blog as I spend the money in Asia. Will also made photos and videos of how the money is spent, to send to the kind donors.

Note** Link added to top of this blog page. Will track the money there, up and down! 

Another Donation Possibility

Got an email message from a 2nd kind person at the IMAGES ALBERTA CAMERA CLUB (IACC) talk. They said they wanted to know when I would return to Thailand to do more photography and donation work and that they wanted to help, wanted to raise money from their family and friends to assist THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURES.

All good stuff, helping more folks in Thailand. Thank you S------- for your kindness and good heart.  

Images Alberta my old club, is filled with kind hearted good people, gotta love that! 

PHOTOGRAPHY and photographers AS A FORCE FOR GOOD!! 

 

$250 not $200 CAD

The IACC talk fee was $250 not $200 CAD. My mistake, I thought they said $200 before. All good stuff, now more for the people in the photographs. Helping more folks.

No Notes, No Problem!

I had to freelance the talk last night, without notes. In  the IACC audio visual technical set up (ZOOM and their PC laptop). I did not have access to my computer or my PowerPoint presenter view notes. 

It was a freer type expressive talk. Just my TED TALK microphone and a clicker!! My only limitation is I had to stay in view of the ZOOM internet camera.

I will try to this freestyle talk in the future. I would love to be able to walk around!!

LOVED IT!!! 

Newby Talk Moment

 So I had a NEWBY talk moment at yesterday’s presentation for the IACC (Images of Alberta Camera Club).

Before the talk began the audio video guy handed me one of those high end TED RALK type microphones to wear. I did not know how put it on!!! First I put it on the wrong ear, then I put it on backwards!!!

The IACC guy must have been thinking. What kind of bonehead speaker do we have tonight ? Later at the beginning of the talk I had to stop and turn the microphone on!

After that things went well!

$240 for Food

At the IACC (Images Alberta Camera Club) meting we raised $200 for the talk, and $40 extra from kind M----,  making a total of $240 CAD. We (donors and myself) will probably use the money to buy food for people who live "Under the Freeway" in Khlong Toey Slum, Bangkok.

More Talks Please!!!

 

Note*A club in Canmore AB is a possibility and a club in Halifax NS, is accepted but no date confirmed.

Note** The Kelowna club talk is the one mentioned above, will be July 12, 2027. 

IACC Photo Club Talk, Went Very Well

 

The talk was rewarding I enjoyed it. The IACC club (Images Alberta Camera Club) was very well organized, they did a great job and had first glass gear to help smooth things over. 

It was the first time I wore one of those body coloured microphone ear pieces! I did not even know how to put it on, newby move there!

Note* Thank you very much M------ for your personal donation of $40. You will directly help the people in the pictures. You have a good heart as the Thais say, KHON JAI DEE!!

Note* Thank you IACC members for the $200 talk fee, your money will directly help the people in the pictures. 

Quote: Werner Herzog (Film Director and Actor)

 

Quote: RFK

 

Dreamed of Dad on our Birthday

Dreamed of my father today, heard his voice. It is our shared birthday, April 7. In the dream I hugged him and cried, told him how much I missed him. 

Strange how our minds work. It has been 11 years now since we lost dad, I forgot it was April 7, but the mind remembers everything, even while sleeping. 

Photo from an earlier birthday. We often had the same cake.

2 Ambrotype Works Offered for Sale

Applied for this sale of work awhile back. Should know by May if they will buy anything .

Two works submitted. Any sale money earned would be used to buy Silver Nitrate for the AMBROTOS KANATA project. Here’s hoping the work is bought for the Strathcona Public Collection.

Petrochemical Plant 14x14 inch Ambrotype, $1000 CAD

Petrochemical Plant Boiler Stack 11x14 inch Ambrotype, $800 CAD

Making of Ambrotype imagery

From the Strathcona Curator of Public Art

——————

Dear Gerry,

Thank you for submitting your work to the 2026 Art Acquisition Program. We sincerely appreciate the time, care, and generosity involved in sharing your artwork with us. The quality and diversity of submissions make this year’s program especially engaging to review.

Artists selected for acquisition will be notified in May 2026, with final purchases subject to Strathcona County Council approval in June 2026.

We are grateful for your interest in the program and for contributing to the richness of contemporary artistic practice in our community. Whether or not your work is selected this year, we encourage you to continue applying to future opportunities with Strathcona County.

Thank you again for your submission and for sharing your work with us.

Warm regards,

K…. ……
Curator, Public Art
Strathcona County