Small Exhibition

Media: photographs, brown reagent bottles

Number of images: 8

Print size: 16x20 inches

Execution: 2022

I use to enjoy measuring powders on a scale and mixing chemistry to make solutions for printing in the darkroom. My two main reference books (which I bought from Logos Books in Santa Cruz while in college) were Photographic Facts and Formulas by Wall and Jordan, printed by the American Photographic Publishing Company in 1947 and Photo Lab Index published by Morgan and Lester, Fifteenth edition printed in 1957. (For reference, I've included one of my preferred paper developers which is below).

While I no longer print my own photographs and now use a professional laboratory (who quite frankly, do a better job than me) I still have a fondness for the magic of the evolution of the image, growing from light to dark, reminding me of our amphibious ancestors swirling in primeval waters.

This work is a visual ode to my time spent in darkrooms and has multiple references, including:

1. The amber colored reagent bottles (for storing light sensitive solutions) infer the chemical history of photography. The chemical reaction on the sensitized paper creates the visible image, replacing the memory of the chemical process, which is then discarded.

2. The placement of the photographs on bottles resemble labels made for product packaging as well as the commercialization of photography in general.

3. Choosing to use the photographs from the “Anonymous” series hearken the beginnings of photography in the 19th century.

4. The small size of the bottles and prints are symbols and microcosms of the presentation limits of my work: since I don't monetize my prints, i.e. I don't have a business, I have difficulty showing work as it has no monetary value and thus is not collectible. This is not a complaint just a statement of fact as it is an effect of my own choices.

Paper Developer for Silver Halide Photographs

Elon-Hydroquinone Developer
Water (52C) 500cc
Elon 3.1 grams
Kodak Sodium Sulfite (desiccated) 45.0 grams
Kodak Hydroquinone 12.0 grams
Kodak Sodium Carbonate, monohydrated 80.0 grams
Kodak Potassium Bromide 1.9 grams
Add cold water to make 1.0 liter
Small Exhibition

Small Exhibition, 2022

Small Exhibition

Small Exhibition, 2022

Small Exhibition

Small Exhibition, 2022

Small Exhibition

Small Exhibition, 2022

Small Exhibition

Small Exhibition, 2022

Small Exhibition

Small Exhibition, 2022

Small Exhibition

Small Exhibition, 2022

Small Exhibition

Small Exhibition, 2022