Digital BW, The Print

Clayton,

I hope no one takes this too seriously, but just for the fun of the argument, the object may 
be "photographic" art, but maybe it should be called an inkograph since it wasn't created 
from a light sensitive material.  Would we feel OK representing one of Saint Ansel's posters 
as a photograph?  They are ink on paper.

Let's keep reminding ourselves that this is a discussion about how may angels can dance 
on the head of pin.....

Jim




--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Clayton Jones" <cj@c...> wrote:
> 
> Hello Jim,
> 
> >wonder if we are truly justified in calling these objects
> >photographs at all since they are not created from a light 
> >sensitive material?  It's probably more of a philosophical or
> >intellectual discussion signifying little, but it's sort of 
> >fun to think about.
> 
> It's an interesting point and I mentioned it in the article, followed
> by some quotes from reference books showing that ink-based
> photographs, in the form of photogravures, have been an accepted
> photographic art form for well over 100 years.  So it kind of pulls
> the rug out from under it as an issue.  And I agree it is a fun
> intellectual concept to wrap the mind around.  
> 
> For me the idea that our prints are ink-based is very intriguing and
> exciting because it immediately conjurs up images of primitive
> technologies (I call it "a link to the past" in the article).  When
> you think of it like that it's easier to see that what we're doing
> really is a new and different medium, and that they shouldn't be
> compared to silver.  Photogravures are accepted for what they are, and
> are actually revered for their unique qualities. Why not carbon ink
> prints?  I think the fact that our works of art are ink on paper
> should be capitalized on and emphasized.
> 
> We are on the cutting edge of an entirely new art medium.  To me
> that's exciting.  It's also one reason I'm not terribly upset about
> BO's graininess - I use it for most of my prints.  I've gotten past
> the idea of imitating silver or platinum prints.   If I spent hundreds
> of hours putting millions of dots on paper with an ink pen to get this
> result, I'd be famous and my prints would be looked at with awe, sell
> for thousands and be in museums and wealthy homes.  
> 
> I love what we're doing and aside from some minor frustrations am
> having a ball.  I'm more excited about photography now than I was for
> a long time.  Maybe I'm just a romantic, but "Carbon Ink Print" really
> clicks for me.
> 
> Regards,
> Clayton
> 
> 
> Info on black and white digital printing at    
> http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm