Episoder
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Hello again!
The audio clip at the top of this newsletter is a 6 minute taster I recorded with photographer Pete Davis on a ‘walk n talk’ around Found Gallery in Brecon on the first day of his City Stories: Cardiff 1969 - 1977 exhibition earlier this week.This is a must-see exhibition on both floors at Found Gallery - well worth a visit!The complete recording will posted on the Subscriber+ area of the offline.wales website early next week.
NEW Offline Journal Subscriptions
It’s been a busy few months but you have now seen the result in the new issue #008 of Offline Journal. If you bought a copy, thank you, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as the featured talented contributors and I enjoyed pulling it together.
Speaking of which…
I’m pleased to announce Subscriptions are now available for the next two issues of Offline Journal and I hope you might consider supporting the publication through one of two Subscription offers below.Subscriber support ensures each new issue goes off to the printers, so thank you in advance if you do Subscribe!
Brian
1. Subscriber
First, a normal Subscription secures a copy of both issues #009 (October 2022) and #010 (April 2023) inclusive of post & packing and a short monthly email Newsletter. There’s a slight twist this year as I’m responding to a few requests for starting a 2-issue subscription for issues #008 and #009, however this will only last as long as copies of issue #008 remain in stock.
1 x issue #008 (April 2022) and 1 x issue #009 (October 2022)or1 x issue #009 (October 2022) and 1 x issue #010 (April 2023)
Subscriber : £27.00
2. Subscriber Plus
Next, the popular Subscriber+ option, which again secures a copy of the next two issues but also includes the limited edition printed supplements and more in-depth monthly email Newsletter, returns in a slightly modified form.
Secure a copy of issues #009 and #010
PLUS
• 1 x FOLIO exhibition poster (A2-size folded to A4)
• 1 x Offline Essay featuring new writing on photography (8-page A4)
• SUBSCRIBER+ access to new website interviews & content
• SUBSCRIBER+ enhanced Newsletter to your email inbox monthly
FOLIO poster will be included with Offline Journal October issue.Offline Essay will be included as a supplement with Offline Journal April issue.Post and packing included.
Subscriber+ : £45.00
Offline FOLIO
Offline FOLIO exhibition posters – a collaboration with selected photographers and small galleries – have proven popular since they started but, despite being deceptively simple, are relatively expensive to produce. However I think they’re worth doing as a small acknowledgement of indie exhibitions, so they will continue but now come as a supplement to the October issue of the Journal for Subscriber+ supporters (look out for the next one when issue #009 is published and launched at The EYE Festival this October in Aberystwyth).
Offline Essays
Offline Essays will also continue as a Subscriber+ supplement. I think they’re a good format for photographers/writers to articulate their thinking on contemporary photography or, as demonstrated in the most recent essay by Garry Stuart, linking past and present work for new audiences. Going forward, Offline Essays will be a supplement to the April issue of the Journal and now have eight pages to include a few more photographs alongside text.
Offline Newsletter & Website
The Subscriber+ Newsletter provides those supporters with updates on photography around Wales between the April & October printed issues of Offline Journal and starting June there will be an expanded version each month plus more new materials posted monthly on the Subscriber+ area of the offline.wales website.
Access to Subscriber versions of the email Newsletter and content on the supporter area of the website remain active for the duration of any paid Offline Journal Subscription.
Photography Exhibitions & Events
Here’s a list of exhibitions shared with me.Again, if you’re aware of any others planned for 2022, please leave a comment or direct a gallery representative my way via [email protected]
DAVID HURN: SWAPSDavid Hurn / Various23 October 2021 - 29 August 2022 (extended)National Museum Wales, Cardiffwww.museum.wales
CITY STORIES : Cardiff 1969 - 1977Pete Davis26 April - 21 May 2022Found Gallery, Breconwww.foundgallery.co.uk
*EVENT*: Pete Davis will be giving a talk on Tuesday 3rd May at 7pm at Found Gallery. To book a place for the talk ‘Observations - Collections - Recollections: A lifetime in Photography’ - use the link provided on the Gallery’s exhibition page: https://www.foundgallery.co.uk/-/galleries/coming-soon/city-stories
BRECON BEACONS GARDENCeri Leigh1 March - 31 May 2022Llandough Hospital, Cardiffwww.cardiffandvale.art
FISHERWOMENCraig Easton5 March - 14 May 2022Oriel Colwyn, Colwyn Bay
Photo Film Club #004 - ‘PECKER’28 April 2022 - 7pm (doors open 6.30pm)Keep an eye on their website for updates on future exhibitions and Photo Film Club screenings.www.orielcolwyn.org
THE LAST VALLEYHuw Alden Davies19 March - 14 May 2022Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthenwww.orielmyrddingallery.co.uk
DOCUMENTARY, ZINES & SUBVERSIONCafé Royal Books14 April - 12 June 2022Martin Parr Foundation, Bristolwww.martinparrfoundation.org
CALON WLÂNBruce Cardwell15 April - 7 June 2022Aberystwyth Arts Centrewww.aber.ac.uk/artscentre
EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTPed4ir Môn Collective29 April - 2 MayDavid Hughes Community Centre, Beaumariswww.facebook.com/Ped4irmon
DAVID HURN: NEWPORTDavid Hurn7 May - 17 June 2022*EVENT* (opening event 7 May - film screenings 2pm / show opening 5pm)Ffoto Newport, Newportwww.facebook.com/FfotoNewport
Mental Health Awareness WeekVarious11 - 14 May 2022Ffotogallery, Cardiffwww.ffotogallery.org
*EVENT*ANOTHER COUNTRY SEMINAR DAYGerry Badger; and various photographers11 June 2022Launch event for a new major publication from Gerry Badger and Thames & Hudson – Another Country, British Documentary Photography since 1945 – showcasing the social and cultural history of Britain since the Second World War. This is a ticket event.www.martinparrfoundation.org/events/another-country
*EVENT*THE EYE INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL 20227 - 9 October 2022Aberystwyth Arts Centrewww.theeyefestival.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offlinejournal.substack.com -
Pier Closing Time:A journey through North Wales
This Newsletter is later than I'd hoped as I've been busy with interviews and research for the sixth issue of Offline Journal to be published in early April. Hopefully the audio interview included here will make up for that.
When we were putting together The Photobook & Wales issue of Offline Journal, myself and Ellie Hopkins who co-edited that issue were aware many books and zines wouldn't make it in due to space limitations but we did try hard to include a mention for new and recent titles. However, a book that slipped past us is the one featured in this interview - PIER CLOSING TIME by photographer Michael Bennett.
Published in November 2020 by Cow On The Roof Press, this book of photographs is described as “a bitter-sweet portrait of seaside resorts in and out of season” shot across north Wales in 1979.
It was a pleasure to speak with Michael and hear the story of his career, the work in north Wales, a resulting exhibition in 1980 that didn’t turn out as planned - and his admirable efforts to share the work as a self-published photobook forty years later. My thanks to Martin Parr for introducing us.
I hope you enjoy listening.
Copies of the book and a selection of high quality prints can be ordered direct from Michael’s website www.cowontheroofpress.com
All images © Michael Bennett. Used here with permission.
Subscribers to this Newsletter can leave comments (and I encourage them to do so!) to express their views and ideas around photography to hopefully stimulate further constructive and supportive discussion with others.Basic community guidelines: be active and supportive where possible in feedback and discussion threads, be respectful of others, avoid profanity - abusive and disrespectful behaviour will result in being immediately unsubscribed from the Newsletter. Simple.
This (online) Offline Journal Newsletter is published monthly to offer the wider photography community an opportunity to discuss photography in, from and of Wales. Back issues of and Subscriptions to the limited edition Offline Journal in print (published every April & October) with special print supplements are available via www.offline.wales
I respect your privacy. You have received this Offline Newsletter because you provided your email address when purchasing a past issue issue of Offline Journal or you subscribed directly (thanks). If you would prefer not to receive future Offline Newsletters like this or participate in its community discussions, just click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page. (Thanks again either way!)
If you would prefer to read this and previous posts in your web browser, click here.If you came to the Newsletter via a link and haven’t yet subscribed, do the business with the button below!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offlinejournal.substack.com -
Manglende episoder?
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Happy New Year!
Well, 2020 is behind us.Let’s hope 2021 offers a return to some kind of normality to make, see and discuss photography with and amongst friends.
This first Newsletter of the New Year continues the series of our ongoing online articles linked to issue #005 of Offline Journal with a focus on the Photobook & Wales, and it’s a great pleasure to kick off the New Year with an exclusive conversation with Dan Wood about his new book, available for pre-order from today.Enjoy listening to the audio at the top of this page!
Five fruit baskets of miscellaneous
Photographer Dan Wood discusses his new photobook ‘Black was the river, you see’ (now available for pre-order) and on creating some semblance of order in his extensive film archive shot over 25 years.
Ellie Hopkins and Brian Carroll talked with Dan before Christmas about the new photobook - available for pre-order from Kozu Books today. It marks a milestone as the final title in a trilogy exploring Dan's personal relationship with Bridgend and the south Wales Valleys.
We also discuss his current distraction of archiving film negatives of his photography spanning twenty five years.
You can see a selection of images from the project on Dan’s website - www.danwoodphoto.com/blackwastheriver
Also follow his latest adventures with Photobookjunkies - an online store offering new and second hand Photobooks curated by Dan.
Subscribers to this Newsletter can leave comments (and I encourage them to do so!) to express their views and ideas around photography to hopefully stimulate further constructive and supportive discussion with others.Basic community guidelines: be active and supportive where possible in feedback and discussion threads, be respectful of others, avoid profanity - abusive and disrespectful behaviour will result in being immediately unsubscribed from the Newsletter. Simple.
This (online) Offline Journal Newsletter is published monthly to offer the wider photography community an opportunity to discuss photography in, from and of Wales. Back Issues of and Subscriptions to the limited edition Offline Journal in print (published every April & October) with special print supplements are available via www.offline.wales
I respect your privacy. You have received this Offline Newsletter because you provided your email address when purchasing a past issue issue of Offline Journal or you subscribed directly (thanks). If you would prefer not to receive future Offline Newsletters like this or participate in its community discussions, just click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page. (Thanks again either way!)
If you would prefer to read this and previous posts in your web browser, click here.If you came to the Newsletter via a link and haven’t yet subscribed, do the business with the button below!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offlinejournal.substack.com -
Two new audio conversations on photobooks from Wales…
I hope you had a relaxing Christmas - it may well go down as one of the strangest.
As Hogmanay and 2021 are almost upon us, this Newsletter’s discussions on photography books from Wales (that extend the titles covered in issue #005 of the printed Offline Journal) continue with one featured here and another in a special Newsletter coming on New Years Day.
Keep an eye on your email inbox on 1st January!
Police Kicking Kids Collective & their new Zine
Brian Carroll and Gareth Phillips talk with an interesting new photographer Collective comprising eleven students from the Documentary Photography course at the University of South Wales - listen to the audio clip above.
Taking inspiration for their name from a quote by Tish Murtha who studied with David Hurn on the same course back in the 1980's, three members - Laurie Broughton, Ross Gardner and Nate Davies - discuss forming the Collective, its intended approach to making work and producing their first photo zine during Covid Lockdown in 2020.
Check out their website at www.policekickingkids.com to purchase a copy of the new 72-page zine.
And follow the Collective’s progress on their Instagram feed: @police.kicking.kids
PKK members are: Laurie Broughton, Ross Gardner, Nate Davies, Alice Durham, Tom Cronin, Teifi Davies, Sam Hunter, Tanya McGeever, Johan Buch, Curtis Hughes and Steve Bell.
Subscribers to this Newsletter can leave comments (and I encourage them to do so!) to express their views and ideas around photography to hopefully stimulate further constructive and supportive discussion with others.Basic community guidelines: be active and supportive where possible in feedback and discussion threads, be respectful of others, avoid profanity - abusive and disrespectful behaviour will result in being immediately unsubscribed from the Newsletter. Simple.
This Offline Journal Newsletter is published monthly online to offer the wider photography community an opportunity to discuss photography in, from and of Wales. Back Issues of and Subscriptions to the limited edition Offline Journal in print (published every April & October) with special print supplements are available via www.offline.wales
I respect your privacy. You have received this Offline Newsletter because you provided your email address when purchasing a past issue issue of Offline Journal or you subscribed directly (thanks). If you would prefer not to receive future Offline Newsletters like this or participate in its community discussions, just click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page. (Thanks again either way!)
If you would prefer to read this and previous posts in your web browser, click here.If you came to the Newsletter via a link and haven’t yet subscribed, do the business with the button below!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offlinejournal.substack.com -
The very many photobooks of Gareth Phillips.
Professional photographer Gareth Phillips discusses his own approach to exploring the synergy of image, ink on paper and, more recently, installation.
Next in a series of articles related to issue #005 of Offline Journal focussing on the Photobook & Wales, it’s a great pleasure to feature the above conversation between Ellie Hopkins, Brian Carroll and Gareth Phillips who works in commercial and international editorial work - most recently covering the Covid-19 Vaccine roll-out in the UK for the Wall Street Journal.
Gareth has a long-running passion for experimenting with his own personal photography projects in book form. Have a listen!
www.garethphillipsphotography.comOn Instagram: @garethphillips_
Subscribers to this Newsletter can leave comments (and I encourage them to do so!) to express their views and ideas around photography to hopefully stimulate further constructive and supportive discussion with others.Basic community guidelines: be active and supportive where possible in feedback and discussion threads, be respectful of others, avoid profanity - abusive and disrespectful behaviour will result in being immediately unsubscribed from the Newsletter. Simple.
This (online) Offline Journal Newsletter is published monthly to offer the wider photography community an opportunity to discuss photography in, from and of Wales. Back Issues of and Subscriptions to the limited edition Offline Journal in print (published every April & October) with special print supplements are available via www.offline.wales
I respect your privacy. You have received this Offline Newsletter because you provided your email address when purchasing a past issue issue of Offline Journal or you subscribed directly (thanks). If you would prefer not to receive future Offline Newsletters like this or participate in its community discussions, just click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page. (Thanks again either way!)
If you would prefer to read this and previous posts in your web browser, click here.If you came to the Newsletter via a link and haven’t yet subscribed, do the business with the button below!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offlinejournal.substack.com -
Above: Gallery owner Andra Milsome discusses ehibitions and photobooks with Offline’s Brian Carroll
Thru The Lens Gallery
Pandemic exhibitions & publishing photobooks
As covered in the printed issue #005 of Offline Journal, photographers in Wales have been creative in documenting different takes on the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown restrictions. Thru The Lens Gallery in Hay-on-Wye was also creative in exhibiting unique work by two NHS clinical staff - Glenn Dene and David Collyer - on the frontline of the pandemic and both also talented photographers who (in the links above) discussed their work earlier this year with Ffoton on their YouTube channel.
Now on the walls at Thru The Lens Gallery in Hay-on Wye is John Bulmer’s ‘A Very English Village’ exhibition which first featured on the cover and a feature article in the 21 August 1966 issue of The Sunday Times Magazine supplement. In addition to a selection of framed prints, the exhibition also includes some fascinating tear-sheets of the Sunday Times magazine cover and spreads.
As can be heard in the recorded conversation with Andra, creative thinking and collaboration with photographers has allowed Thru The Lens Gallery to experiment with new, short-run photobook publishing as way of generating revenue to keep the gallery doors open and explore new exhibition opportunities.
I take my hat off to Andra and Billie: for a small indie photography gallery that just turned a year old in the thick of a global pandemic, they’ve been doing a fantastic job of exhibiting photography in a great gallery space, in self-published photobooks and online via their Instagram feed and new website. Be sure to visit them in Hay soon!You can follow them on Instagram @thruthelens_gallery and check out their new website for the latest news on exhibitions and explore their online photo bookshopwww.thruthelens.photography
Music by wataboi from pixabay.com
Subscribers to this Newsletter can leave comments (and I encourage them to do so!) to express their views and ideas around photography to hopefully stimulate further constructive and supportive discussion with others.Basic community guidelines: be active and supportive where possible in feedback and discussion threads, be respectful of others, avoid profanity - abusive and disrespectful behaviour will result in being immediately unsubscribed from the Newsletter. Simple.
This (online) Offline Journal Newsletter is published monthly to offer the wider photography community an opportunity to discuss photography in, from and of Wales. Back issues of and subscriptions to the printed limited edition Offline Journal (published every April & October) with special print supplements are available via www.offline.wales
I respect your privacy. You have received this Offline Newsletter because you provided your email address when purchasing a past issue issue of Offline Journal or you subscribed directly (thanks). If you would prefer not to receive future Offline Newsletters like this or participate in its community discussions, just click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page. (Thanks again either way!)
If you would prefer to read this and previous posts in your web browser, click here.If you came to the Newsletter via a link and haven’t yet subscribed, do the business with the button below!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offlinejournal.substack.com -
Above: Huw Alden Davies speaking about his new book ‘Scaffold to the Moon’ (more info below)
New Welsh Photobooks Pt.2
Scaffold to the Moon by Huw Alden Davies
In the second of a series of ongoing discussions on photobook experimentation and publishing in Wales, Ellie Hopkins and Brian Carroll, co-editors of the new Offline Journal issue #005, spoke with Huw Alden Davies in late August in advance of the big reveal of his new self-published book Scaffold to the Moon (audio clip at the top of this page).
We discuss Huw’s approach to the photography and book design; the included writing that developed from an extensive series of Blog posts; and forming iPigeon - a new photobook publishing venture with co-founder Dan Staveley - to release the ‘part novel/part photobook’.
Scaffold to the Moon is available now from iPigeon via their website:www.i-pigeon.co.uk
Scaffold to the Moon by Huw Alden Davies
Publisher: iPigeon
Dimensions: 270 x 210mm
100 pages Including text and Photographs
Printed Four Colour Litho
Hardcover - Sewn
Edition of 500
First edition: September 2020
ISBN: 978-1-8381610-0-2
Subscribers to this Newsletter can leave comments (and I encourage them to do so!) to express their views and ideas around photography to hopefully stimulate further constructive and supportive discussion with others.Basic community guidelines: be active and supportive where possible in feedback and discussion threads, be respectful of others, avoid profanity - abusive and disrespectful behaviour will result in being immediately unsubscribed from the Newsletter. Simple.
This (online) Offline Journal Newsletter is published monthly to offer the wider photography community an opportunity to discuss photography in, from and of Wales. Back Issues of and Subscriptions to the limited edition Offline Journal in print (published every April & October) with special print supplements are available via www.offline.wales
I respect your privacy.You have received this Offline Newsletter because you provided your email address when purchasing a past issue issue of Offline Journal or you subscribed directly (thanks). If you would prefer not to receive future Offline Newsletters like this or participate in its community discussions, just click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page. (Thanks again either way! Brian)
If you would prefer to read this and previous posts in your web browser, click here.If you came to the Newsletter via a link and haven’t yet subscribed, do the business with the button below!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offlinejournal.substack.com -
Above: photographer David Mayne speaking with Offline’s Brian Carroll (see below)
Distractions in another Lockdown
As Wales has chosen to place itself in another Lockdown in an attempt to reduce Coronavirus infections, photographers can at least turn to photobooks for reading distraction away from the seemingly boundless ineptitude of the Westminster Government in handling the crisis and also the new Autumn assault on our senses - Strictly Come Dancing.
One important but low-key photographer in these parts who’s been keeping himself busy producing a new website for his archive is Paul Reas, currently head of the respected Documentary Photography course at the University of South Wales. Reas along with Roger Tiley, William Tsu, John Davies, Peter Fraser, Ron McCormick, David Bailey, Francesca Odell and Mike Berry was commissioned to create work as part of Ffotogallery’s ‘Valleys Project’ in the mid 1980’s. Paul’s latest book Fables of Faubus also gets an honourable mention in the introduction of the newly printed Offline Journal #005.
If you’re quick, you can have ‘Daydreaming about the good times’ - one of his better known images from the Valleys Project as a free download at high resolution and create your own print (for non commercial use). All that’s asked is you email him to inform him you’ve downloaded it. The image will be only be available for the duration of the current two week Wales lockdown via www.paulreas.com
New Welsh Photobooks Pt.1
Project YMA HERE - David Mayne
With over 13,000 images of the contemporary Urban environment amassed over four years, Bridgend-based photographer David Mayne is now in the process of editing his personal project YMA HERE with the aim of creating his first photobook.
In the first of a series of ongoing discussions on photobook experimentation and publishing in Wales, David spoke with Offline’s Brian Carroll on the project and his current thinking on planning and producing his new book (audio clip at the top of this page).The resident ducks, geese and passing children at Roath Park Lake make guest appearances during our attempt to observe social distancing!
You can see a selection of David’s YMA HERE project on his Instagram feed: www.instagram.com/projectymahere
Subscribers to this Newsletter can leave comments (and I encourage them to do so!) to express their views and ideas around photography to hopefully stimulate further constructive and supportive discussion with others.Basic community guidelines: be active and supportive where possible in feedback and discussion threads, be respectful of others, avoid profanity - abusive and disrespectful behaviour will result in being immediately unsubscribed from the Newsletter. Simple.
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This (online) Offline Journal Newsletter is published monthly to offer the wider photography community an opportunity to discuss photography in, from and of Wales.Back Issues of and Subscriptions to the limited edition Offline Journal in print (published every April & October) are available via www.offline.wales
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I respect your privacy.You have received this Offline Newsletter because you provided your email address when purchasing a past issue issue of Offline Journal or you subscribed directly (thanks).If you would prefer not to receive future Offline Newsletters like this or participate in its community discussions, just click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page.(Thanks again either way! Brian)
If you would prefer to read this and previous posts in your web browser, click here.If you came to the Newsletter via a link and haven’t yet subscribed, do the business with the button below!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offlinejournal.substack.com -
With four issues of Offline Journal now published since its launch in October 2018, I thought it might interest people to learn the story of each cover image: the where, when, what and why of each photograph described, when possible, by the photographer. In this new ‘Covered’ series - available here on the Newsletter - I’ve asked photographers to put themselves through the torture of recording their cover stories. To kick things off, Listen to Rob Law’s story behind his Offline Journal issue #004 cover in the audio clip at the top of this page.
Photography Online - lots of inspiration!
I had hoped to get this Newsletter out last weekend but distractions abound - even in lockdown it seems!
The ongoing Covid-19 lockdown here in Wales and around the world has stimulated creative ways for many to stay engaged with photography. Many thousands of enthusiasts and professionals alike are finding new and some not-so-new routes to create and share projects indoors and also connect with others to learn more about photography through online talks and group video discussions.
It’s interesting to note how some photography institutions and galleries currently closed in the Covid-19 crisis have been compelled to adapt their normal marketing and communication efforts. It will be interesting to see if and how these positive activities - appreciated by the seemingly vast numbers engaging with them - might continue when some form of normality returns. Wales should also embrace this opportunity to share its own talent with the wider photography world going forward.
I thought I’d share a few that interested me and had me engaged…
Photography from Isolation to Communication - ICPBased in New York, The International Centre of Photography (ICP) ran a series titled ‘Photography from Isolation to Communication’ with David Campany - the respected photography writer and curator.Costing $35 in total, his three sessions - delivered via Zoom (from what appeared to be his kitchen table!) - ran over consecutive evenings 15-17 April with roughly 300 participants watching and posting questions:Session 1. Collaboration in IsolationSession 2. Photobook EditingSession 3. The Photographer-WriterAlthough ended, you can read the outline topics covered by Campany on the event page here.I’m sure we’ll see more of these from ICP: $35 x 300 = $10,500.00 (from a kitchen table) - but well worth it when you have a quality speaker!Keep an eye on their website.
Mack LiveSpecialist UK Photobook publisher Mack Books were very quick to react to the lockdown and have been hosting a new ‘Mack Live’ series of videos since late March with photographers and curators discussing photobooks. The recent ‘Alec Soth Bookshelf Tour’ video is a fascinating insight on this Magnum photographer as photobook collector: his diverse taste in photography and how and where it’s published in book form. One of my favourite parts has him showing a strange, run of the mill and mass-produced American cookery book titled ‘White Trash Cooking’ at 25:12 on the video - then revealing pseudo-William Eggleston photography included in the centre pages.You can watch the Alec Soth video and others in the ongoing series at https://mackbooks.co.uk/pages/live
Magnum Quarantine ConversationsCreative thinking is emerging from Magnum Photos in the form of pairing up its member photographers by drawing two names from a hat and having them discuss their work and approach in online video conversations. These are really quite inspiring - particularly when you consider the calibre and experience of the individuals taking part. Two of the series had me rewinding and relistening to parts of the respective discussions: Richard Kalvar & Jérôme Sessini discussing conflict photography, fear, and invulnerability; and Lua Ribeira & Susan Meiselas exploring collaboration, intuition, the importance of rich archives and how photographing revolution helped Susan understand the structures of power.
I really hope Magnum continue with this series of random pairings for very unique conversations. You can watch them now at www.magnumphotos.com/theme/quarantine-conversations
David HurnOn the subject of Magnum photographers, Wales’ own David Hurn continues to demonstrate a seemingly unbounded enthusiasm for experimentation and making photographs despite his Covid-19 confinement. As the screenshot above (shown here with permission) demonstrates, he has set himself a brief to photograph his cottage as though working for an Estate Agent! Sounds easy but actually very challenging! If you don’t follow his Instagram feed (his only online presence away from the Magnum website) his weekly posts are worth browsing through as they form a visual journal on photography, life and memories.
David’s text in the above post also has a complimentary mention for Offline Journal and the new Valleys book by Paul Cabuts coming in the next few weeks - read his Instagram post here.
Ffoton LivestreamAlso in Wales, Ffoton has started experimenting with livestreaming these last few weeks with a new series of live conversations with photographers - each lasting approximately 30 minutes with questions from the online audience enabled via live chat. The first two talks were photographers who’ve had their work featured on Offline Journal covers - Matt Eynon on issue #002 and Nick Wynne on issue #003 - and the latest conversation with Rhodri Jones (based in Bologna, Italy) is well worth watching on the Ffoton YouTube channel.
Issue #005 of Offline Journal now underway
With the latest issue of Offline Journal now in the hands of subscribers and many others who have purchased a copy online, work has now started on issue #005 to be published in October. To help realise some very unique articles I’m delighted to welcome Ellie Hopkins as co-editor of issue #005. Many will be aware that Ellie has been a contributing writer in the first four issues and I’m looking forward to having her creative input help mould the next one.
Subscription - supporting Offline in uncertain times
It has been interesting to experience first-hand how the seemingly predictable process of printing and distributing a small printed publication can be knocked sideways through the disruption caused by a public health emergency. Printers can print, but only if their paper and ink suppliers can make deliveries and their own presses be manned. As things turned out, Offline Journal was printed with just over a week’s delay - so no big deal really.
The most frustrating but uncontrolable impact on the latest issue is the loss of physical outlets (six of which had been secured for issue #004 and were prepared to take #005) but are currently closed due to social distancing measures. Had they been open as normal, this latest issue might have sold all 150 copies.
Modern technology has transformed both photography and publishing. The benefits of digital assets, fast file transfers over broadband and digital printing allow flexibility in types and quantities of materials printed - such as my own self-imposed print run of 150 copies of Offline Journal’s first four issues. I considered this a reasonably low target that might see all copies sold in the six month period between issues and, as a result, the Journal would cover its own production, print and associated costs.
Offline Journal would not exist without the enthusiastic support of talented contributors - the photographers and writers who have worked with me on the Journal in these early days and share a desire to develop a publication dedicated to photography in and from Wales. These wonderful people have donated their talents and enthusiasm thus far in exchange for free copies of the Journal or beer (a couple of tough-nuts have haggled for both). Going forward, I’d like to offer contributors a small recompense for inclusion of their images and writing but that can only happen if Offline Journal increases its print run and gains more subscribers, with particular emphasis on the latter.
If you have renewed your subscription for the next two issues - I thank you sincerely.If you have been supporting Offline through purchasing single issues up until now, my thanks again and I’d ask you to now consider also receiving the special printed supplements that accompany subscriber issues. I’ve had overwhelmingly positive comments on both the Offline Essays and the Indie exhibition posters that accompanied Ron McCormick’s ‘How Green was my Valley’ and David Hurn’s ‘Ynyshir: 25 Mile Radius’ exhibitions (the limited edition ‘Ynyshir’ poster will accompany issue #005 for subscribers in October).
You can support Offline Journal’s future issues in these uncertain times by subscribing via the link below. My thanks in advance! Brianofflinejournal.bigcartel.com
Newsletter © Brian Carroll 2020
Subscribers to this Newsletter can leave comments (and I encourage them to do so!) to express their views and ideas around photography to hopefully stimulate further constructive and supportive discussion with others.Basic community guidelines: be active and supportive where possible in feedback and discussion threads, be respectful of others, avoid profanity - abusive and disrespectful behaviour will result in being immediately unsubscribed from the Newsletter. Simple.
Offline Journal Newsletter is usually published every first and third Sunday each month to offer the wider photography community an opportunity to discuss photography in, from and of Wales.Back Issues of and Subscriptions to the limited edition printed Offline Journal (published every April & October) available via www.offline.wales
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This issue of the Newsletter is a bit shorter but also a two-parter…
A family gathering prevented me attending yesterday’s Instagram: A Symposium event at National Museum Cardiff which was a shame as I’d hoped to have made it along to listen to the various speaker presentations and discussions.However, it reminded me I had a lovely little IG appetiser in the form of an audio clip recording (above) of the very talented Dafydd Jones describing how he came to adopt Instagram as a primary Social Media feed and the way he currently exploits it to promote his work.
I highly recommend taking a look at Dafydd’s Instagram account to explore and enjoy the variety of material he shares. What I find fascinating is the creative way he’s providing a glimpse into the extensive work in his archive - photographs, tear-sheets, work prints, test strips in darkroom printing. And it’s this latter aspect of Dafydd’s process - his analogue prints - that really blew me away when he showed me a selection included in one of his exhibition boxes. The care and expertise in his printing only elevates the already wonderful photographs he’s taken through his career.
You can listen to Dafydd’s full conversation with guest interviewer Martin Parr over on the Ffoton website for the very interesting story of his career and how analogue prints from his archive are still contributing to his earnings today.
And if you’d like to meet Dafydd or discuss his work, he’s one of the guest speakers at this year’s EYE Festival 2020 9-11 October in Aberystwyth.
Subscribers to this Newsletter can leave comments (and I encourage them to do so!) and hopefully stimulate further constructive and supportive discussion with others.Basic community guidelines: be active and supportive where possible in feedback and discussion threads, be respectful of others, avoid profanity and it goes without saying that trolling or abuse will result in being immediately unsubscribed from the Newsletter. Thanks.
Offline Journal Newsletter is published every first and third Sunday each month to offer the wider photography community an opportunity to discuss photography in, from and of Wales.Back Issues of and Subscriptions to the limited edition printed Offline Journal (published every April & October) available via www.offline.wales
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I respect your privacy.You have received this Offline Newsletter because you provided your email address when purchasing a past issue issue of Offline Journal or you subscribed directly. If you would prefer not to receive future Offline Newsletters like this or participate in its community discussions, just click the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page.(Thanks again either way! - Brian)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit offlinejournal.substack.com
