Thursday, May 22, 2008

Day Eight: Louisiana, Last Island

Go ahead and add chiggers and fire ants to the list of my sustained injuries. There are not many elements this region has neglected to throw my way. 

We have just started our dark room work. Having been absent from a dark room for 6 years, I was worried of the possibility that I may not remember proper procedures. Much to my surprise, the moment I set foot in that dark room, A switch flipped and it was like those idle 6 years never existed. Yet, I had forgotten the excitement that follows a print soaking in developer. It is a magical moment to squint through the dark and watch your print come to life right before you eyes. Its a feeling that everyone should have the opportunity to experience, yet few do. The digital realm may yield quicker results, but film offers a magical experience, a rush of endorphins, that can only be comparable to Disney movies, in my mind at least. 

Today marked our last day of field trips and boat rides. We will spend tomorrow printing for the show. I am very proud of the prints I have to contribute to the LUMCON permanent collection. 

Over the course of the week I have felt more comfortable here, that I do at my own house some times. The area is beautiful. The people are genuine. My heart will forever hold a piece of each and every one of them. When the time comes, its going to take every once of my energy to rip myself away from Cocodrie, Louisiana. 

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