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.