Monday, November 22, 2010

My cyanotype exhibition.



On Thursday 18 November I held an exhibition of 45 cyanotypes in the ballrooom at the Randfontein Country Club. It turned out to be an amazing success with a turnout of around 125 people including members of the media.
Five large, limited-edition, hand-made, cyanotypes were bought by collectors and a couple of black and white prints were also sold. Prices for the cyanotypes ranges from R1500 (approx $220) for matted but unframed examples to R4000 (approximately $650) for framed, tea-toned prints.
And, as a result, I am in currently having discussions with some art dealers and galleries.
Unfortunately I did not scan the cyanotypes before I had them framed -- I do not have a flatbed scanner -- but, at the last moment, I took a few shots of the images. The pictures will give you an idea of the print but do not do it justice and in some instances, my reflection can be seen in the glass. That's just the way it is.
I plan on getting a scanner and rectifying the situation next time.
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Amazing Minolta Autocord


It's amazing how many blog posts, all over the internet, start with the phrase: "...it's been a long time since I've posted on my blog."
In keeping with that fine tradition, it has been a long time since I have posted on my blog. Life always seems to get in the way and I have had my head firmly down making cyanotypes and prints for a solo exhibition that will take place next week. I have also had a number of commissions that needed to be completed.
But along the way I purchased a 1950s Minolta Autocord, TLR camera for about the price of a 16Gb memory card. I've heard good things about the 'cord which was the Japanese manufacturer's attempt to compete with Rolleiflex and I was not disappointed. The lens is every bit as good as my Rollei.
The two pictures taken here were shot on Ilford HP5 and developed in Rodinal. The (obviously tame) Zebra was photographed on the Seasons Eco golf course near Brits and the other shot is the arch on the Hartbeespoort Dam wall.
I think both illustrate the quality of the camera and the unique characteristics of real black and white film. I am looking forward to shooting some quality B&W portraits with the camera.