alkali burn
polaroid hinterland
The shutter cracks and a rapid burst of light is discharged. The movement allows the encased film a brief exposure to one of the main defining elements. A self-contained power allows the small plastic camera to automatically self-purge its contents. The film is then expelled from a hidden slit in the front of the camera and at this moment a crash course in chemistry commences without comprehension or consent.
Once development has arrested, an illusive image cultivates and within moments all elements are sealed between two pieces of plastic and a caustic paste.
This effortless performance by the Polaroid camera forever captures imagery within its own environment by sealing time with emotions into a one of a kind visual. This process characterizes one of the many underlying principles behind the conception of AlkaliBurn's creation.
It started several years ago with my mom's broken SX-70 Polaroid camera from the late 80's. The images that this camera would end up producing were beyond my comprehension of a Polaroid camera or image. Polaroid's up until this point had been merely used as implied, to capture smiling face and document family events. After many years in a closet, I dug this relic out for a fresh investigation. I had no idea that this rediscovery would leave me forever amazed and inspired.
The randomness of the camera's capabilities to capture color and interoperate objects into the unseen at first glance fueled the fire for further experimentation.
After the SX-70, I moved onto several thrift store finds a box shooter that took type 88 film and one that took what is now 669 film. Finally the camera I would end up spending most of my time with, the Polaroid Spectra System camera.
I shoot with all three of these cameras currently. As for film, I purchase what film I can get my hands on. Preferably, these purchases are made at a discounted rate as my usage continually grows. I take my chances on some of the older films, as they are often outdated film (producing interesting color shift) or styles that are no longer offered or manufactured.
In addition to the box shooter and the spectra cameras, I have also used SX-70, 500 and 600 speed films and their respective apparatus. The spectra system remains the favorite to date.
View a portion of Alkali Burn here.