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September 19, 2020 — October 17, 2020
Easkey Roost at Dusk — Matthew Gammon
The juried exhibition "(s)Light of Hand 2020" showcases 33 works by 29 artists exploring the rich tradition of alternative photographic processes, selected by juror Dan Burkholder. The exhibition features an impressive range of historical and contemporary techniques including platinum palladium prints, cyanotypes, photopolymer gravure, lumen prints, gum bichromate, and innovative mixed-media approaches incorporating materials such as gold leaf, encaustic, and silk. This diverse collection celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship inherent in hands-on photographic methods, demonstrating the continued vitality of alternative processes in contemporary image-making.
Dan Burkholder
Dan Burkholder, a Master platinum printer, received both his BA and Master's Degrees from Brooks Institute of Photography. No stranger to traditional photography, he was a workshop student of Ansel Adams and his mastery of the wet darkroom was highlighted by serving as assistant to both John Sexton and Jerry Uelsmann. In the early 1990's, he was one of the first photographic artists to embrace digital technology. Originating the digital-negative process in 1992, Dan has helped open doors for all black and white photographers interested in moving into the new electronic technologies. His award-winning book, Making Digital Negatives for Contact Printing, is regarded as the most authoritative work in the field.
By sharing his pivotal methods, Burkholder has become a unique teacher and mentor for thousands of photographers by bridging the worlds of classic photography with the evolving digital era. He continues to forge ahead into new areas of photography, preaching the fine art potential of the Apple iPhone and the smaller micro 4/3 cameras. His innovations introduced two original darkroom techniques, creating the pigment over platinum print in 2001 and the platinum over gold leaf print in 2007.
Alternative Process photography caters to one of our most essential human aspirations: to make things with our hands. Filled with uncertainties and sand traps — chemistry, light sources, papers and treatments — there is a joy to be had when the photographic gods smile, and we hold a wondrous finished print in our hands. This satisfaction of unified vision, craft and materials far exceeds that of typing Command-P and waiting for yet another inkjet print to appear.
I often use the term "intentional photography" in my lectures and workshops. As accessibility of the medium has ripened, photography has become more casual and nonchalant than in times past, occasionally with an accompanying disincentive to invest time and effort toward the final printed image. Alternative Processes effectively put the brakes on this trend. Don't get me wrong, there's no virtue in difficulty itself; there must be a reason to suffer the indignities of smelly chemistry, handwork and time expended.
Curious about a piece? Click any artwork image to learn more
Photographers are drawn to alternative processes for all kinds of reasons, some worthy and some not so virtuous. The good news is this show contains impeccable examples of practitioners who understand why and the how to exploit the beauty and intrigue of the handmade photographic print.
Yes, there must be a reason — an intention if I may — for working in Alternative Processes. This exhibition reveals reason and intention in spades.
Dan Burkholder
Donna Cosentino
In a life dedicated to photography since 1971, Donna Cosentino has been a news photographer, museum docent, curator, educator, and leader in the photographic community. After thirty years of teaching photography, Donna retired and opened The Photographer’s Eye in Escondido, a gallery whose mission is to enlighten and educate the community on the history and art of photography through exhibitions and classes.
My passion for alternatively made photographic art has been an important part of my growth. I have tried many processes and have taught several of them. Participating in the discovery, successes and frustrations, and finally learning to embrace imperfections, is a wonderful experience for student and teacher alike.
This special affection has led me to create an annual juried exhibition of Alternative Processes hosted by our gallery. Artist and professor Suda House was the inspiration for the title, (s)LIGHT OF HAND, referencing the magic made when one embarks on this creative journey.
Over one hundred sixty artworks were entered this year representing multiple processes. Lumens, Platinums, Mordançage, Handcolored, Gum bichromate, Carbon, Cyanotype, Transfers, 3-D, Photogravure, Orotones, Tintypes…this is just a partial list of processes that were seen by Juror Dan Burkholder. Entrants came from across the U.S., Canada and Ireland.
Dan chose the photogravures by Matthew Gammon (of Ireland) for his Juror's Award and I selected Carmel's Matt Connors' Platinum Palladiums for my Director's Award. These two photographers will share an exhibition in our gallery in June 2021. There were many in the running…classic to contemporary in style and substance making it very difficult to choose.
I hope all who have entered and those who view this special exhibition will appreciate and be inspired by the fine, one-of-a-kind work by the twenty-nine photographers in this exhibition.
Donna Cosentino - Gallery Director
