Algorithm-free Correspondence
An introduction and why I’m gradually ditching digital to embrace analogue.
To keep my creative juices flowing I draw, make photographs and observe, constantly.
I get my hands dirty drawing on paper and painting on canvas not on a screen and I prefer to write with a pen than type on a keyboard. I spin vinyl, develop rolls of film and make prints in my darkroom.
I enjoy pairing words and images with well-crafted letter forms and considered typography. I like print ephemera, mainly black letterpress ink pressed into soft cotton paper.
If time travel were possible I’d be jumping back in time quicker than you could say Great Scott Marty! Seems I’m gradually ditching digital to embrace analogue.
Sharing on social media for likes is not something I thrive on and it’s become a rash that grows red raw with every scratch. I’m not looking for another Instagram, I still use it, I’m looking for a new way to share alongside my website and blog.
So I’m collating my work and thoughts into a more personal format—a letter.
When did you last send or receive a letter? Not utility bills, bank statements or junk mail but handwritten correspondence from family or friends. Do you miss opening a letter, unfolding the paper and reading it?
Subscribe and I will email you my occasional letter—newsletter really but I prefer ‘letter’—direct to your inbox. Algorithm-free correspondence of photographs, drawings and observations.
Yes, it’s still sharing digitally but it feels more comfortable. Maybe even the occasional letter via good old snail mail, stamped addressed envelopes through your letterbox. Now that could be something!
Can letters or newsletters be a more considered way to share? Why not? It worked perfectly well before we succumbed to scratching that damn rash. Let’s find out!
Yours faithfully, Mark.
Would you like to receive my occasional letter? Send an S.A.E. by subscribing—thanks!
Eloquently put Mark. I too seem to have succumbed to analog in the photo realm. It is strangely satisfying. Not quite knowing what you’re going to get can be an attractive thing. I’m done with analysing my histograms and aiming for perfection straight after the shot...
As for vinyl. Well I have got the turntable out of the loft but I’ve yet to find a place for it. It’s a work in progress.
Paul
Thanks Paul! So long as we follow the path we enjoy it doesn’t matter what medium we choose. But I agree about chasing perfection on histograms. Strive for perfection digitally but I prefer to embrace the grain. Thanks for reading my intro letter, don’t yet know where it’s going but it’s fun with no pressure.