Dec 7, 2022
020: Shane Balkowitsch: Shadow Catcher
Shane is a native of Bismarck, North Dakota, and a photographer. But just saying he’s a photographer is a grave understatement.
He’s a Wet Plate Collodion photographer and if you don’t know, wet plate is the process of printing on glass with silver and other, sometimes lethal, chemicals. The process began way back in 1848 and was quickly abandoned for more modern and efficient techniques.
"Digital photography of today relies on technology. Wet plate photography relies on 170-year-old chemistry, a bit of magic, and some luck. I think it's important that as technology moves forward, we embrace and continue to celebrate and not forget important processes from the past.
Wet plate photography is one of those processes. Every time I show someone the wet plate process in person, they are absolutely amazed regarding the ability to get a photograph using some chemicals and pieces of glass that I cut by hand."
When I think of Shane’s art, I think of him as an Alchemist, a historian, and a channeler who, through this legacy process, captures more than images on the glass.
His work is being preserved in museums all over the world, including the Smithsonian Institute, Oxford and so many more.
His portraits are impactful, political, and honest. Some have resulted in death threats but he’s remained committed and dedicated to his path.
This is a long conversation, the longest I’ve done so far but it’s an important one. I’m grateful for Shane’s work, his mission, and his time.
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