BEFORE
Last spring I sent for chemicals from Bostwick and Sullivan in Santa Fe to make tintypes on my own. But before I could even start; I needed to get my darkroom in order--not a simple task! Yes, the photo above is where I began. This storage room had been used in place of a garage; I had already removed the bikes and beach chairs but I had a long way to go. I had moved to a new home last summer and all my darkroom supplies had been put into storage now it was exciting to see them find a new home.
AFTER
The dry sink is made with exterior plywood and pine 1 x 6 followed by multiple coats of polyurethane. I sat it on top of some old kitchen cabinets. The ventilation fan and sink with water are still on the wish list.
It is October 2010 and I have yet to make even one tintype. But today I will start by re-reading the information that came with the chemicals and rereading workshop notes from a workshop with Marc Osterman and France Scully I had taken in Austin Texas at The Harry Ransome Center and last summer in Good Hart Michigan with Bill Schwab and Joesph Smigiel plus current websites. Wish me well~J
