Last week I wrote about making the most of the time we have. But what happens to our life’s work after we’re gone? I think about this from time to time and did so again when a front page above the fold story appeared in the Bucks County Herald and caught my attention. The story entitled Princeton University Art Museum Acquires Archive of Celebrated Photographer Emmet Gowin describes in detail Gowin’s commitment to provide Princeton with his entire archive and Princeton’s plan for housing and making it available “as a resource for future teaching, research, publications, and exhibitions …. that will “continue to be appreciated for decades to come”.
OK, what about those of us who are not famous by choice or otherwise but have nevertheless worked hard and have our own archive of life work?
One of the things I worry most about is what will happen to my negatives and prints when I’m gone. I know, I’m not Emmet Gowan in so far as photography has not been my career. I’ve had a very different type of career and a lot less time to produce a large volume work, yet I know my work has value to it (That’s right … if I don’t feel this way who else will?). I’m sure many other photographers must feel the same way.
So what to do?
I could hope that someday an organization will become interested in my work, but that’s a longshot, given I’m a comparative unknown. How about doing a few books? I’ve created Monalog Press, so that could very well happen and it would certainly enable me to create what might be a lasting record for those who knew me. But then what? Another option would be to digitize my negatives and store them on a hard drive or the cloud and hope for the best.
Now here’s a novel idea … how about a for profit or not-for-profit organization establishing a repository that could take on our negatives for a fee (Housing prints might be problematic because of the space they take up.). Perhaps this could become a viable solution with enough funding. I’m pretty sure such a thing does not exist, but if I’m mistaken please let me know!!!
There’s a lot of important work out there that needs to be saved. Take a look at Vivian Maier for example. What if her incredible work hadn’t been found? What a terrible loss that would have been. There are real gems out there that need to be saved. If anyone has any thoughts about this please jump in!
Stay well,
Michael
On Brett Weston’s 80th birthday, he burned all but a dozen of his own negatives to underscore his belief that only the artist should print his own work.
Our own Ansel Adams took some Ohio Blue Tip matchsticks to some of his Negatives also. (thinking it would boost the value of the limited prints already made)
There are numerous other photographers who followed suit, some the whole collection up in smoke, others most of the collection, yet others just a small fire.
Me personally, I think negatives and photographs should be preserved, shared, handed down, and printed and existing photos displayed. It might be for only a limited number of people who are interested in hands on wet printing, the tedious process, as we have “evolved” into an instant satisfaction society, disposable, IT, AI, scanner, soft hands etc. But thats a whole other conversation.
If one looks at the images of Lee Miller, (I recommend)a well known female war photographer, you would be glad that 85,000 negatives of hers were accidentally found in an attic and now preserved, as well as the display of her beautiful once in a lifetime capture of images.
So I guess the question remains, what do the little guys (us) do with their lifetime blood and sweat collection of negatives, positives and photographs.
Let me go online and see if I can Google and find an answer.
Bob,
Many thanks for the thoughtful response! I have never liked the idea of destroying one’s work and was horrified over what Brett Weston did. Thanks for your kind offer to do some research and l look forward to hearing from you soon!
Best,
Michael
I’ve been thinking about this issue for a long time. Recently, a good friend of mine and well known photographer in my area had the Portland Art Museum refuse his work. No reason was given. His Platinum work from the early ’60’s is unbelievable. Since I am a carbon printer my problem is that my prints may well outlive any institution that would house them! I’m thinking they will end up in a landfill somewhere along with my negatives. Hopefully not, but what a dilemma we all have. I too, believe my work to be of importance.
Jim,
Good to hear from you! Your work is important and hopefully it will find a long-term home. In your case it is the problem is twofold. Preservation of the negatives are obviously of critical importance, but what makes your work unique and incredible is the negative processed just such so it will yield a beautiful carbon transfer print, which is so special.
Best,
Michael
Michael, you as a person are a “GEM”. In my opinion, it’s better to be loved and remembered for what you give to the world when you are here than when you are gone. You as a person and your art will always be remembered by the people who have known, loved and respected you for being there for them in life. Your family, friends and fellow artists will forever remember you.
Jeff,
Many thanks for your most kind words. It truly means a lot to me!
Best,
Michael