Digital BW, The Print

I do agree---but I'm a long time textile dyer (textile designer/weaver/dyer) and I've lost a number of close friends in the art/crafts world who were all dyers (relatively young, all dyers, all cancers).  I have no idea if casual use of dyes had anything to do with their deaths, but I have been reasonably careful wearing 'Darth Vader' masks and gloves, but I decided to give it up totally about 5 years ago and err on the conservative side of things.  I always feel that one is better NOT using chemicals if possible.  I have to also admit to being an organic gardener for 35 years though *smile*.  I started out being a 'natural' dyer many many years ago, but----I also used 'heavy' metals in the pursuit of natural dyes.  Then---because I couldn't produce the colors I wanted I switched to chemical dyes with great care.  Nonetheless---I still decided enough was enough.  

I never had the opportunity to have a darkroom--but I'm thrilled to be able to use a 'digital darkroom' with no chemicals.  They are rarely good for the environment or us.  I won't come down on either side because there isn't evidence, but for me---if I can do my creative work without chemicals or dust (cotton 'chuff' from using fine cotton yarns in weaving)--I will choose that route.

Diane

  These issues are important, and what we need is rational, level-headed 
  thinking about them. Yelling that "they sky is falling" or going into 
  complete denial about negative consequences are both rather extreme 
  reactions.

  Peter


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