Finally I can reveal the thing I spent a month on last year. All made from paper cut-out models, in my studio in #nesodden norway.
Thanks to Brian and Rocky for the opportunity, and my step daughter Kamilla for assisting. Lots of little “making of” clips are up on my instagram
https://www.instagram.com/markfrancombe
Monthly Archives: June 2024
2 posts
After a 40-year hiatus from the darkroom, I have rekindled my passion for printmaking. The process of developing photos has always held a special place in my heart, and returning to it after so many years has been incredibly rewarding. There’s something magical about the darkroom—the dim red light, the smell of the chemicals, and the quiet anticipation as an image slowly appears on the paper. It’s a world away from the instant gratification of digital photography, offering a sense of craftsmanship and artistry that I’ve truly missed.
My first series of prints, available now, were taken on an old Lubitel box camera during the Cranes American tour in 1997. The Lubitel, with its vintage charm and quirks, added a unique character to the photos that modern cameras simply can’t replicate. This series holds a special significance for me, being the last time I played with the band in America, the resulting prints are not just images; they’re a piece of my history, infused with the spirit of that era.
Reconnecting with this art form has been a deeply personal journey. Each step, from selecting the negative to the final rinse, is a deliberate act that requires my full attention and care. It’s a meditative process, allowing me to slow down and immerse myself in the creative flow.
In sharing my renewed passion, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my new online shop. This platform is a labour of love, showcasing the prints I’ve created in the darkroom. Additionally, I’ll soon be selling my “Kipple” artworks and there’s a T-shirt available now, celebrating my artistic journey, that has, for about 30 years now been known by the term “Ordo Ab Chao” or rather Order out of Chaos, a kind of mantra to how I work.
I invite you to explore the shop and discover the prints that resonate with you. Whether you’re a longtime aficionado of darkroom photography or someone newly discovering its charms, I hope my work brings a sense of joy and inspiration. Thank you for supporting my art and joining me in celebrating the timeless craft of darkroom photography.
