Ian Wallace

Art disciplines: Artists’ books, Film, Photography

My preference is often for monochrome photography, and all the work I show is analogue. I work with a range of cameras some of which are over 100 years old. The processes I use to make my images mostly date back to the 19th century. When I make large format portraits the experience for the sitter is therefore as unique as the old equipment used to make the image. While I’m very comfortable with a 35mm SLR in my hand, I enjoy the process of working with large formats, polaroid, and even pinhole cameras. Depending on the project in hand, I use either traditional film or alternative historic photographic processes like the 1851 wet plate process.

You can learn to shoot and process film at my darkroom, or enjoy the experience of being photographed they the way it was done 150 yeas ago.

My uncle bought me a camera for my 10th birthday, and my father blacked out the kitchen and taught me to process the film. From then on, I’ve always wanted to spend time with my camera and in the darkroom. I love everything about the analogue process from capturing a moment to seeing a print appear in the tray, I’ve spent a lifetime behind a computer and have no desire to do this with my photography. Though I started with film, I’m a trained Chemist and enjoy exploring different processes and the unique character of the images they produce.

The whole creative process is important to me and the end-product should be something you can pick up, read, or hang on a wall. I have produced several small photobooks (Zines) and am a founding member of the Photozine Collective who’s productions “Ambigious”, “Opaque” and “Vivid” have included my work.

I like the involvement and the personal connection you have with analogue work. The visualisation, the counting of the seconds of exposure, the coating of paper with a sensitizing liquid, the movement of your hands under the enlarger. The output is not mechanical, but the result of the action of light and processes in which small variations leave an individual character in each hand made print. There is an element of chance that can undo your careful work or serendipitously add an unanticipated uniqueness.

I consider myself a student of the Victorian and early 20th century Masters of Photography and I hope this shows in my work. Its great fun to be able use this knowledge to demonstrate and educate.

Ian
North Wessex Darkroom, North Hampshire

Contact the artist

W: https://www.onahillroad.com

E: ian@onahillroad.com