The essence of my photography resides in the final print, an authentic and archival object to see, to hold, to frame and to hang. More interested in the quality of final print production than in the latest electronic technology of cameras, I concentrate my efforts on making the best and most permanent tangible photographs that my skills and insights permit. Working primarily in platinum/palladium, coated on heavyweight watercolor paper, I combine technologies that bridge photographic practices from the 19th into the 21st century. The handcrafting I devote to each individual print melds the most basic elements of art and science into a uniquely tendered archival photograph.
My work derives from a variety of cameras, spanning the decades from the 1950’s to the present time, simple and complex, using film or digital sensors. Since 2004, I have worked full-time from Gallery Obscura, my studio and gallery in Portland, Oregon. Using scanned film or uploaded digital files, I process my photographs digitally with a computer and convert them to monochromatic large format (generally 10 inches wide) digital negatives that I inkjet print onto transparent film media. Then, in simulated mode of an earlier era, I transpose myself in time from a contemporary digital studio to the 19th century chemical workshop. There, I contact print these large negatives under ultraviolet light onto watercolor paper.
I produce limited editions of platinum/palladium prints that are available directly from me at Gallery Obscura or from selected galleries and dealers. Prices vary but many prints currently sell for $200. Insured shipping in North America is $20. Selected prints are also available from Jay A Martin, Inc, Fine Images, San Francisco, from Light Box Photographic Gallery, Astoria, Oregon and through The Photo Continuum Online Gallery.