August 6, 2010
“Rincon, January 16th, 2010”, Ilfochrome, 7–1/2 x 20” (matted to 20 x 24”), edition of 75
Pictured is a framed Ilfochrome print (formerly Cibachrome), custom made for a friend in San Diego. Ilfochrome printing from photographs made on slide film started in the early ‘60’s. I’ve always printed with both digital and traditional methods, but after getting a few Ilfochromes that’s going to change. My digital prints made from high resolution scans were good, but for me, especially when it comes to printing from slides, nothing compares to the quality, detail and the glossy metallic–look of Ilfochromes.
Plus, there’s just something to be said about something that’s handmade. Who know how much longer Ilfochrome printing will be around (these were made by Frank Green of The Lab Ciba in Burbank, ca), or even film for that matter, but I’m going to keep printing and shooting with traditional methods as long as I can.
Speaking of handmade, I milled the moulding for this frame from salvaged Pacific madrone (arbutus menziesii), a western hardwood. It’s finished with a varnish.
May 19, 2010
Pictured is Eli Andersen of Portland, Oregon, with a 15’ redwood paddleboard. Eli makes his own paddleboards and kayaks on which he does long, solo paddling adventures. This board was made from wood salvaged from his mom’s deck. It weighs about 50 pounds. Eli made it for a solo circumnavigation of Haida Gwaii in British Columbia that he will attempt this summer. He will paddle about ten miles a day. At this pace Eli will complete his trip in two and half months, his window being June 1st to August 15th.
Eli has already paddled the entire Oregon Coast – which also took him a full summer to complete – and solo kayaked the length of the inside passage from southeast Alaska to Washington. On his Oregon coast trip he paddled about fifteen miles a day, carrying four or five days of supplies and camping gear. Then he would hitch hike back to his truck, drive back to his board, camp for the night and re–supply and then do it all over again. There are very few roads in Haida Gwaii, so he will have to talk fishermen into dropping off supply packs at various locations on the islands.
Eli says he gets in rhythm when he is paddling about two miles from shore. There’s less current out there and it seems to be where he gets his best glide. He said that whales, dolphins and birds seem to prefer traveling along this watery thoroughfare as well. Eli does these paddling adventures for no other reasons than to see a place. No cause, no fanfare – he just really loves being out there.
November 6, 2009
Here are some photos of the East Meets West show at The Surf Gallery in Laguna Beach last weekend.
All of the prints are traditional fiber and c–prints made from the original negative. The Rincon panoramic is a cibachrome print. The Africa collage was made with about 80 traditional prints and the frames from tiger–striped myrtlewood from Southern Oregon.
The show should be up another two weeks at The Surf Gallery
Hours: 12–6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and by appointment.
911 S. Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949–376–9155
December 16, 2008
Photo: Chris Orwig
I still have a few copies left of both regular and limited edition versions of my book One, a compilation of photos published by Bueno! Books, Japan.
“One is a visual odyssey that celebrates a life less ordinary, lived in search of moments and experiences akin to sun–soaked rainstorms and flowers blooming through a crack in the sidewalk.”
– ethan stewart, The Independent
“Surfer/Photographer Joe Curren’s first photo book collects together his most treasured images from destinations like Ireland, Taiwan, and West Africa. A true natural, Curren evokes the raw feeling of searching for waves, beauty and humanity”
– Surfing Magazine
May 28, 2008
Kirra II, 2004 – maple
Sao Tome Surfers, 2006 – walnut
Central California, 2004 – walnut
