Last Week I attended the first Annual Photo Arts Xchange (PaX) in Rocky Hills Connecticut, hosted by Steve Sherman and co-organized with Steve by JB Harlan and Susan Harlan. For those not familiar with Steve, JB and Susan, they are master large format photographer and darkroom practitioners of the highest level. Other key contributors to getting the event launched, and equally fine photographers were Peter Bosco, Peter Wnek, Peter Dylag, Jim Kipfer, Jim Shanesy, Ralph Phil and Gene LaFord.  The concept behind the no cost event as described by Steve pretty much sums things up:

“PaX is not another portfolio review. Ho-hum, I bring my work to show and hear what I have to do to meet someone else’s idea of art. Or even worse, what I need to do to sell more work. This is not the concept of PaX.

PaX is a gathering of like-minded photographers joining together strictly for the purpose of sharingwhat each individual is doing. As a participant, you will be showing your best work. You will be explaining your vision; what you were thinking; the mood, idea or feeling you are trying to convey. Certainly there will be questions and discussion, but this is not a review of your work. It is not intended to help you shape your artistic future. But more literally, you may help someone else shape theirs.

Participants are encouraged to tell the story of each photograph as it is shown. This is not a technical discussion, nor a place to market your wares. PaX is not about trying to remold your personal vision. One basic concept we all share is that photographs should be seen. Not used as filler in a storage box.

No, PaXis not a portfolio review, nor a tech-talk workshop, nor a sales event. It is a friendly gathering specifically for sharing the art form we all love. It’s about the art in photography. It’s not a review, but a gathering of photographers sharing what they do and why they do it.”

Over thirty photographers from the US and Canada displayed and discussed their photographs. Most of the work was black and white and completely produced using film and wet darkroom processes. Photographers showed between four and twenty-one pictures (me). Much of the work was produced with large format negatives, but also included work done with 35mm and medium format equipment (mine and a few others). Most were silver gelatin prints, but some notable exceptions were gorgeous contact prints made using platinum, palladium, and carbon transfer materials.

We were also treated to scrumptious dinners at Steve’ home (thanks again Steve for thinking of my vegetarian requirements!!) and saw his incredible darkroom and dry workspaces.

I will get to the point … this was perhaps the best photographic event I have ever attended! In a way it was like one my Photo Chat Get-Togethers, but on huge amounts of steroids!  The host/organizer’s objectives were easily met ten times over. I met some wonderful photographers who struggle with their craft so that they can fulfill their unique vision.  Not to earn a living, but because they love photography and are driven to produce the very best work they can.  It was amazing just how much incredible world-class work was shown. Equally important were the stories behind the work and the articulation of the vision that led to what was ultimately created.

Going back to Steve’s objectives, I hope my presentation in some small way may have touched others.  I know that what I saw and learned truly inspired me and will continue to do so for a long time to come.I also made some new friends.  They make pictures with equipment and processes that are completely different from mine, but who cares! What a wonderful gift … making new friends that share the same passion as I do!  I look forward to developing these relationships, and they may become the greatest takeaway from PaX.

Kudos to Steve Sherman, JB and Susan Harlen, and all those who helped make this event such a wonderful and inspirational success! Final takeaway … I’ve rededicated myself to living a photographic life, to do the best I can to capture what I see in my mind’s eye and do whatever it takes to recreate that vision.