April 22, 2008
Almost three months after TLF's launch, I'm finally starting on the
aspect that first got me thinking about a website dedicated to the
history and renaissance of handcrafted silver gelatin emulsions -
collecting old recipes and patents. But, not just collection.
I hope that we can take these old treasures into our darkrooms and work
with them. Ideally, we would see a number of physical
interpretations - from the most accurate historical recreation possible
all the way to a 21st century spin.
I invite people to take a crack at this first one. I would like
to hear about failures as well as successes. Also, I'd like
feedback on how best to present our efforts. Your contribution
might take the form of a research blog, or a gallery of prints on the
paper you make.
There is only one 'rule' for this treasure hunt: Optimism that the
process of experimentation alone is a worthy goal. I haven't tried
this one yet, either. What appears to be a very simple recipe is
actually a complex techno-archeology puzzle. Does life get any
better than that?
I hope folks will give The Light Farm any old patents they own.
With the wonders of the internet, it isn't necessary to donate the
physical object. Just send a high rez file and I'll post it
here and credit you for your donation.
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