Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio: Blog

Billy Mills 1964 10,000 Metre Olympic Gold Medalist in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 20:39:34 GMT

"Unity Through Diversity" with William "Billy" Mervin Mills, Oglala Sioux, captured for the first time in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. Billy is the 1964 Gold Medal Winner of the 10,000 metres in Tokyo, Japan. He broke the Olympic Record with a time of 28:24.4! These plates were taken as part of my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective".

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 7 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota taken on 3-24-2024.

Michael Spears from Dances with Wolves Captured in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 21:20:00 GMT

Michael Adam Spears "Buffalo Spider", Teton Secangu / Lakota, captured for the first time in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass for the series “Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective”. Michael played the young boy "Otter" in the movie "Dances with Wolves" in 1990 when he was 12. One plate is going to the archive at the State Historical Society of North Dakota as part of the series. The 2nd plate is going to the State Historical Society of South Dakota where his tribe resided and the 3rd plate is going to the Academy of Motion Picture and Arts (The Oscars) in Los Angeles.

Michael Spears Wikipedia Page

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 9 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota, taken on 2-2-2024.

Michael also wrote a song and sang it for the visitors of the studio, Michael Spears Singing Original Song

Josh Duhamel in Wet Plate Collodion by Shane Balkowitsch at the Taube Museum of Art

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:53:13 GMT

"The North Dakotan" with Josh Duhamel captured for the first time in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. Josh is very proud of being from North Dakota and it was an honor to finally be able to immortalize his likeness in the process I hold so dear. This shoot was six years in the making and the plate with him staring at the lens is going to the State Historical Society of North Dakota to document his legacy in our state.

I want to thank my good friend Ryan Stander for his assistance today behind the scenes. I am grateful to the Taube Museum of Art for their generous hospitality. This would not have been possible without Sara Coleman at North Dakota Tourism who helped me arrange this shoot.

The frontal plate was donated to the State Historical Society of North Dakota and the plate "The North Dakotan" of Josh in the window was gifted to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (The Oscars) in Los Angeles.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 8 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, continuous light and natural light at the Taube Museum of Art in Minot, Plate 4878, taken on 11-20-2023 by Shane Balkowitsch, Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota.

Shailene Woodley in Wet Plate Collodion by Shane Balkowitsch

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:11:50 GMT

Shailene Woodley captured for the first time in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. I am honored that she trusted my camera and lens today.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 9 seconds of exposure, 8x10 black glass ambrotype, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota, Plate 4847 taken on 10-15-2023.

I want to thank my dear friend Don Jay Twobears for making this happen.

Digital Photos by Chad Nodland, the official digital photographer to Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio

"Phantasm Skull" Wet Plate Collodion Collaboration with Jeffrey Sklan

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 16:56:32 GMT

"Phantasm Skull" with Shelbe Neubauer and Taylor Lafournaise, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. Composition, props and styling by my propmaster Laine Pope and her sister Laura. Jeffrey Sklan from Los Angeles flew in for the weekend and was our special guest for this collaboration.

Capturing ”Phantasm Skull” in wet plate was no easy task. Taylor and Shelbe sat still for so long they could barely walk afterwards. My team came together and we were all paid in smiles, laughter and hugs. The difficulty and pain of the creating these images washes away once the plate appears.

Thank you Chad Nodland, the official digital photographer to Nostalgic Glass for documenting these moments for us all.

Inspired by the work of Olga Beliaeva (below).

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 8 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota, Plate 4738 taken on 7-28-2023.

Chad Nodland's Digital take on "Phantasm Skull"

"Death Visits An Artists" Wet Plate Collodion Collaboration

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:30:38 GMT

"Death Visits An Artist" with Kennedy Rae Anderson and Deidric Tyler Franklund, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. My propmaster Laine Pope did her magic once again. We were also assited by Chad Nodland and Tom Wirtz. Inspired by the polish painter Zygmunt Adrychiewicz (1861-1943).

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota, Plate 4700 taken on 6-9-2023.

"Luna Rising" and "Waning" Wet Plate Collodion Moon Collaboration

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 13 May 2023 19:58:25 GMT

The making of “Waning” and “Luna Rising” captured by Chad Nodland the digital photographer to my studio. Laine Pope my propmaster did an amazing job on this bespoke moon mask. Zia Haakenson volunteered to be our muse once again. It is always an amazing day when our team is assembled.
"Luna Rising and "Waning" with Zia Haakenson, wet plate collodion ambrotype of pure silver on glass. Moon mask by my epic Propmaster Laine Pope. Inspired by the work of Luis Gonzalez Palma entitled "La Luna" from 1989.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 11 second exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, Dutch angle employed, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota, Plate 4458 and 4660 taken on 5-12-2023.

"Girl With Bomb" A Protest Wet Plate Against the War in Ukraine

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 21:17:43 GMT

"Girl With Bomb" a protest wet plate against the war in Ukraine with my youngest daughter Mahliya Balkowitsch. My propmaster Laine Pope fabricated the bomb and designed the set. Chad Nodland was present to capture the "making of" photos. These ideas and concepts haunt me until I can bring them to life in silver on glass. I had this concept of a child catching a bomb from out of the sky before it hit the ground. I remember once saying "Art can be a weapon for change and we artists have the ability to wield it at will."

Vladimir Putin was unprovoked and attacked a sovereign nation.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 6 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota, Plate 4551, taken on 2-5-2023.

"Winged Victory Of Samothrace" Wet Plate Collodion with Bonnie Balkowitsch

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:32:01 GMT

"Winged Victory Of Samothrace" with Bonnie Balkowitsch in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. This is my wife Bonnie's favorite statue. She fell in love with it at the Louvre when we saw it a few years back. Laine Pope my propmaster spent over six months developing the bespoke costume. She made every element by hand. Yes, Bonnie is standing with this costume on for this shot. All done in camera with no photoshop. We got the shot on the first attempt.

What was important for me as an artist was the technical aspects of capturing a person in the garment and the difficulty of removing her arms and head. A majority of people who see this work for the first time do not realize that a person is holding this up. In retrospect it would have been much easier just to work on a dress form or use a manikin. Where is the challenge in that? I love the fact that our "Winged Victory" had heart beats and was breathing during the exposure. It is all about the illusion and the challenge of pulling it off. I knew if I could get the exposure correct and could get a deep black background, I could fix any issues in the rinse bath with Farmer's Reducer. I used a small paint brush to apply the 150 year old chemical concoction to make the illusion absolutely complete. Like I have said many times, it does not matter what it takes to get the plate. What is most important is the effort and the intent to get to the image that is needed to fulfill the vision. I am very proud of this effort. Bonnie did an amazing job standing in the same place for 90 minutes while Laine worked her magic. Bonnie has claustrophobia and the black mask over her head posed a real struggle for her, but she endured. Laine Pope did an amazing job in designing this prop and it is now on display above my darkroom in my studio for visitors to enjoy.

Chad Nodland the official digital photographer to my studio captured the behind the below behind the scene shots. We wanted to share the final result before showing how we technically pulled it off.

“Channeling Eva Carriere” with Bre Peltz and Paul Noon Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 20:37:44 GMT

"Channeling Eva Carriere" with Bre Peltz and Paul Noot, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass from the 1851 process. Eva was a medium at the beginning of the 20th Century and she would boast that she could control ectoplasm. If she could do it in 1912, we could surely do it today with a process that is 60 years before her time. Her level of fraud and deception as a spiritualist was over the top and legendary. Houdini the magician and Arthur Doyle the man who wrote Sherlock Holmes investigated her extraordinary claims. Read about her life, you will not be disappointed. She was a crackpot in the most fantastical and lovely way.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eva_Carri%C3%A8re

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn2q6u2-TlM&feature=youtu.be

Assisted by my propmaster Laine Pope and Christopher Roemmich lit the pyrotechnics.

"Succumbed To Light" with Borut Peterlin at Kočevski Rog, Slovenia Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 19:25:56 GMT

“Succumbed To Light” with Borut Peterlin at the Wet Plate Collodion Expedition 2022 in the woodland of Kočevski Rog, Slovenia. My daughter and I traveled to his yearly wet plate expedition. Borut is a master ambrotypist and contact printer. He has his new book “A New Earth” which features his prints in one hand and his 150 year old brass lens in the other.

Wet plate collodion 8x10 clear glass ambrotype, Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f8, 9 seconds of exposure. Borut will be making the final prints from the glass plate negative.

CONCEPTUALIZATION:

I absolutely had no intentions of creating on this trip. I tend to get lost in the process and I wanted to be present for the friendship and camaraderie. I was more interested in learning and helping others in the group.

That changed at 4am the night before the exposure. I awoke from a dream and had this exact composition in mind. I could not shake it and did not sleep another minute.

We had been drinking from a natural spring that has been in the Slovenian mountains for millennia. There was a stone structure with a metal door that protects this pristine natural occurring water source. It was this structure that inspired me.

I explained my composition to Oded Levy and Markus Hofstätter over breakfast and the plate was set in motion. Oded was instrumental in assisting me with the composition. Peter Skrlep loaned me his handmade large format camera. This is a reversed digital photograph of the wet plate negative was taken by Markus Hofstätter. Once the image appeared in the fixer, it felt as if it was meant to be. This was a true collaboration.

"The Beheading Of Medusa" Wet Plate Collodion by Shane Balkowitsch

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:55:22 GMT

"The Beheading Of Medusa" with Kit Marie Pace, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. Inspired by the 1618 painting by Peter Paul Rubens. My propmaster Laine Pope's had to be summoned to pull this off.

"The Decanter Of Beauty And Grace" Wet Plate Collodion with Dominika Kaminska

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:46:46 GMT

"The Decanter Of Beauty and Grace" with Dominika Kaminska, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 4 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota, Plate #4280, taken on 6-3-2022. Inspired by DA-FOCUS in France. Behind the scene digital photographs by Chad Nodland.

"Living Frame" Wet Plate Collodion with KitLynn Pace and Laine Pope

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:37:57 GMT

"Living Frame" with KitLynn Marie Pace, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. A conceptual piece I collaborated on with my Propmaster Laine Pope. This plate would not be exist without her expertise. I am forever in her debt.

The Making of Living FrameLiving Frame The Making of Living FrameLiving Frame The Making of Living FrameLiving Frame The Making of Living FrameLiving Frame The Making of Living FrameLiving Frame The Making of Living FrameLiving Frame

"Without A Choice" Roe v. Wade Abortion Rights Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 10 May 2022 20:04:48 GMT

"Without A Choice" with Eve Lancaster and Laine Pope, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass.

One Twelve Blog on "Without A Choice"

As a nurse and Father of three girls I cannot put words to my immediate concerns. I learned about the horrors of the coat hanger era in nursing school. This will not stand and I have no choice but to address this issue the only way I know how, with art. I could care less who gets upset or does not agree with my stance. Men have no business telling women what to do with their bodies, period.

Anatomy Of A Coat Hanger Abortion

"Soul" with Jon Batiste Captured in Wet Plate Collodion Photography

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 14:55:41 GMT

Jon Batiste Wet Plate Collodion"Soul"

“Soul” with the one and only Jon Michael Batiste, captured for the first time in the historic 1851 wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. Jon recently won an Oscar and has 11 Grammy nominations later this week.

You will not find a more talented and kind human being. While I was preparing the plates, he sang and played the piano for my family. This original plate is earmarked for the Louisiana State Museum where he was born and raised.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 11 seconds of exposure, 8x10” black glass ambrorype, continuous fluorescent bulbs, Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota, taken on 3-29-2022.

Jon Batiste Sat for a Famed North Dakota Photographer (Fargo Forum 4-12-2022)

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson Documented In Wet Plate Collodion Photography for the First Time

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 18:36:30 GMT

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, captured for the first time in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass.

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson was a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, a clinical psychologist and the author of the multi-million copy bestseller 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, the #1 nonfiction book of 2018 in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. It has been published in over 50 languages and has received worldwide acclaim.

www.jordanpeterson.com

His daughter Mikhaila arranged for me to travel to Minneapolis to photograph him for her family. I set-up a makeshift studio with my chemistry, lighting and portable darkroom in a conference room at a nearby hotel. I was able to spend nearly two hours with Jordan alone creating. He gave me VIP passes to his show at the State Theatre. What a wonderful and informative evening. The topic was love and marriage. The talk made me miss my wife who was back home in Bismarck.

We were able to make 4 plates together and I also was able to capture a portrait of his wife Tammy, a gift to her and Jordan for their kindness.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 10 seconds of exposure, continuous artificial lights, 8x10" black glass ambrotypes, taken on March 9th, 2022.

"A Lifetime Of Contemplation"

"The Lexikon"

"The Lobster Analogy"

"Maiden Pouring Milk" Wet Plate Collodion Archived at The Royal Photographic Society

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 15:21:55 GMT

Maiden Pouring Milkwith Eve Lancaster

I am beyond honored to have my work "Maiden Pouring Milk" being officially selected by the archive of The Royal Photographic Society in the United Kingdom. This is the world's oldest photographic society dating back to 1853. Their collection is world renowned and includes the works of Julia Margaret Cameron. This is the 42nd archive that is protecting my original black glass plates.

My plate was inspired by the work of William Mortensen, which the Royal Photographic Society awarded the coveted Hood Medal for his 1938 work.

"Maiden Pouring Milk" with Eve Lancaster, pure silver on glass in the historic wet plate collodion process from 1851. In 1657 “The Milkmaid” was painted by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. 281 years later my favorite photographer William Mortensen photographed “Maid Servant Pouring Milk” (1938). Art repeats itself.

A special thanks to Laine Pope my studio's prop master for making all the key elements for this shot. I also want to thank Chad Nodland for his assistance behind the scenes and for documenting this shoot with his digital camera. The RPS will also take his digital behind the scene photographs to document and support the original plate.

Wet Plate Pictorialism In The Modern World: Maiden Pouring Milk (PETAPIXEL)

Wet Plate Pictorialism in the Modern World:

Shane Balkowitch’s ‘Maiden Pouring Milk’

The Accademia del Disegno (“Academy of Design”), which opened in 1563 Florence, Italy was the world’s first academy of art. Prior to that time, to succeed with a career in the arts, a would-be artist either apprenticed in a respected Master’s atelier, or was self-educated. The underlying principle of a Renaissance painter or sculptor’s education was to copy the works of his or her Master, as well as the work of historical Greek or Roman artisans. Through the replication of contemporary or classical works, the student was given the opportunity to explore established techniques and subject matter, while simultaneously developing his own vision and style. To use a current metaphor in today’s language: Amateurs borrow, Professionals steal.

One of the more famous photographic ‘steals’ was by the Pictorialist photographer William Mortensen, whose 1938 photograph ‘Servant Pouring Milk’ was created based on Jan Vermeer’s 1657 painting ‘The Milkmaid’. Fast forward to 2021 Bismarck, North Dakota, and enter the only natural light wet plate studio built in over 120 years. Ask to see the black glass wet plate of ‘Maiden Pouring Milk’ by contemporary collodion Pictorialist Shane Balkowitsch.

Having no previous experience in photography, Shane was intrigued by a portrait he saw on an online gallery in 2012. Researching the image, he discovered it was made with wet plate collodion chemistry, an 1851 process which applied pure silver onto glass or tin. Stunned by the clarity and permanence of images developed on glass plate collodion negatives some 140 years previous, Shane was captivated by the process as well as the imagery. Over 9 years and 4,000 plates later, Shane has (with certain modesty) easily achieved the moniker of Master. On a weekly basis, he continues his seminal documentation of the Northern Plains Indians, produces elegant studio and location portraits of contemporary icons (such as Greta Thunberg), and teaches students from across the country. He continuously expands and explores his creativity through self-motivated projects.

It was his study of, and respect for, William Mortensen that lead him his most recent recreation: Maiden Pouring Milk.

In his words:

“I have always been a fan of William Mortensen. I have most of his books and have read all I can about his work and his contributions to Modern Pictorialism. Ansel Adams called him the “Anti-Christ” because of their philosophical, let alone technical differences. Despite the fact that I can appreciate a great landscape, that comment has never sat well with me. I have been aware of Mortensen’s work “The Milkmaid” for some time now. It has always drawn me in. After doing further research into his 1938 photograph I realized that I had seen this image before and figured out that a very similar scene was painted by Jan Vermeer. Further research proved that Mortensen indeed credit Vermeer as being an inspiration for him, hence my inspiration from Mortensen.

I immediately contacted my prop master Laine Pope and sent her over images from both Vermeer and Mortensen. I explained to her that we are not going to duplicate either image exactly but make one of our own. Laine got to work on making the round pitcher by hand and then the milk from clay layered with varnish. The added challenge of getting the appearance of a liquid pouring from the decanter in a 10 second exposure was a challenge that I wanted to address.

I thought the butchered chicken was a must for this shoot. In the Mortensen there appears to be some sort of carcass or game bird on the table. We decided we would go with a chicken. Laine knew a local farmer and acquired the bird. Leaving the feet on was rather important to create a timeless atmosphere within the photograph. Draping the legs over the edge of the table became an important element of the composition as well.

I needed to find our maiden. Eve Lancaster has been to my studio on half a dozen occasions creating work with me. At this point her ability to hold still under difficult 10 second exposures have become legendary. The main issue was to get the milk to appear as if it is pouring out of the pitcher. We wanted the image to be moodier and darker, so getting the exposure of her face was important as well as the shadows and mood of the rest of the scene. We spent about 3 hours in the studio accomplishing the three 10 second exposures. The 3^rd plate was the one I felt was the best for what we were trying to achieve. Digital photographer, Chad Nodland, captured behind the scene images that detail the creation of the work.

It is always so rewarding to make a scene in my studio that is believable in some sense of being from somewhere else. For me, my wet plate is successful if you find yourself looking at Eve and for a brief moment believing that maybe she is in the 16^th century. Upon closer inspection, however, Eve is wearing ear gauges, a tell-tale sign that this is a modern image. I like leaving little clues in the shots that give away the image’s era. “

The highest compliment an artist can receive is that of his peer’s respect and recognition. Forty-two museums worldwide have accessioned Shane’s black glass plates. And like all seminal art, the ‘Maiden Pouring Milk’ has taken on a life of its own. Established in 1853, England’s Royal Photographic Society is the world’s greatest repository of classic and contemporary photography. The best of the three original plates was recently acquired by the prestigious RPS who, coincidentally, had given William Mortensen its coveted Hood Medal in 1949.

Shane’s work is in very good company.

https://www.instagram.com/balkowitsch/

https://www.facebook.com/balkowitsch

http://sharoncol.balkowitsch.com/wetplate.htm

Article by Herbert Ascherman, November 12^th, 2022

A fourth Generation Clevelander, Herbert Ascherman, Jr. has been a professional photographer for 45 years. Herb has written numerous articles for books, journals and photographic publications worldwide.

https://ascherman.net

"A Novel's Nefarious Ending" Wet Plate Collodion Diptych by Shane Balkowitsch

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 16:44:47 GMT

"A Novel's Nefarious Ending", a diptych, with Shelbe Ann Neubauer and Ethan Michael, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. The book tells the tail of an unexpected visitor later that afternoon.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, 9 seconds and 3 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotypes, natural light at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota.

Styling and prop assistance of Laine Pope (propmaster of the studio) and behind the scene assistance of Chad Nodland (digital photographer of the studio).

"No Vaccine For Death" Large Wet Plate Collodion Collaboration University of Mary

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 15:15:26 GMT

“No Vaccine For Death” a wet plate collaboration in the historic process of silver on glass. 89 collaborators gathering for no other reason than to create together. We pulled this off with 18 months of planning and zero budget.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f11, 1 second of exposure, 8x10” black glass ambrotype, at the University of Mary, by Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio. Colored photographs by Chad Nodland the official digital photographer for my studio.

NO VACCINE FOR DEATH

A Wet Plate Collaboration

July 17th, 2021

University of Mary at The Marian Grotto

Bismarck, North Dakota

Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Shane Balkowitsch, Ambrotypist

LIST OF COLLABORATORS

Cast: Support Staff and Crew:

Brenda Miller (Plague Doctor) Marek Dojs, Director

Adam Steen (King) Michele Oster Renner, Costumes

Greyson Balkowitsch (Death) Tom Wirtz, Assistant w/ Camera

Sharon Balkowitsch (Dutchess) Ivy Brown Jacobson, Hair

Mike Swenson (Body in Coffin) Michael Stevenson, Costume Design

John LaLonde (Judas on Boat) Jason Lueder, Master Carpenter

Kevin Tengesdal (Throat Slit) Laine Pope, Prop Master

Lance Loken Andrea Heidrich, Hair

Charlene Lelm (Lady at Table) Anthony Nelson, Set Designer

Emily Brandt (Dead Body) Chad Nodland, Head Photographer

Bonnie Balkowitsch (Queen) Paul Noot, Master Artist

Abby Balkowitsch (Sister) Katherine Corbett, Photography

Jessica Gustafson (Skeleton) John Moore, Photography

Benjamin Helget Kelli Jo Swenson, Set Lead

Eric Bobby (Running Naked) Dustin White, Writer & Poet

Amber Sams Melanie Kuntz Malsam, Make-up

Laine Pope (Jester) Shantel Arendes, Bones

Karel Sovak (Grim Reaper) Chad Balkowitsch, Trailer

Peter Woodrow (Laying Hands) Carol Carlson, Support

Tanis Lovercheck-Saunders Nancy Willis, Support

Sami Saunders James Kyle, Photography

Tiana Saunders Marcus Johnson, Photography

Alicia Leingang (Skeleton) Travis Blankenbaker, Armorer

Carlee Gifford (Dead Lady) W. Scott Olsen, Writer / Reporter

Alyvia Balkowitsch (Child) Peter Johnson, Support

Mahliya Balkowitsch Marsha Johnson, Support

Gregg Rutter (Apostle) John Sweeney, Coffin

Rachel Praus (Plagued Soul) Jerry Lindblom, Support

David Leingang (Shield) Eileen Heidrich, Props

Catherine A. Segura (Lute) Harry Heidrich, Support Vehicle

Clint Saunders (Plundering) Anne Polasky (Support)

Herbert Ascherman, Jr. Judith Hammer (Support)

Asher Nodland

Adam Hasbargen (Skeleton)

Monte Faul (Breaking Wheel)

Maja Dojs

Katja Dojs

Winona Kozak (Skeleton)

Derek Lowstuter (Skeleton)

Justin Boone

Molly Clark

John Brule

Gabby Nistler

Ahlauna King

Kailyn Allen

Danielle Monzelowsky (Lady)

Eric Monzelowsky (Lord)

Bobbi Holzworth (Skeleton)

Doug Wurtz (Skeleton)

Rissa Williams (Skeleton)

SUPPORTERS:

University of Mary, Monsignor James P. Shea

University of Mary, Dr. Karel Sovak (Dean)

Bismarck Historical Society, Mike LaLonde

State Historical Society of ND, Bill Peterson, Emily Ergen, Lindsay Schott and Joy Pitts

Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative (BDAC), Paul Noot

Image Printing, Inc., Todd Clausnitzer

The Princess Hotel (Mural Installation), Rolf Eggers

“NO VACCINE FOR DEATH”

Death, the great equalizer

Creating an equality among all

Showing mercy for none

No needle to stop it

No booster to slow

Ever marching on

Giving life a constant

Inspiring hope in some

Driving them to greatness

Knowing our time is short

Making the most of what is left

By Dustin White, July 7^th, 2021

"Fading Away, Again" Wet Plate Collodion Inspired by Henry Peach Robinson

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 16:33:00 GMT

“Fading Away, Again”, with Eden Jackson, Kathryn Jardee and myself, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. The scene centers on a bedridden young woman dying of tuberculosis, a disease that has been held at bay with modern day vaccinations.

In 1858 Henry Peach Robinson (1830-1901) exhibited “Fading Away” (1858), a picture skillfully printed from five different negatives. This work depicted the peaceful death of a young girl surrounded by her grieving family. Although the photograph was the product of Robinson’s imagination, many viewers felt that such a scene was too painful to be tastefully rendered by such a literal medium as photography. The controversy, however, made him the most famous photographer in England and the leader of the Pictorialist movement, which advocated achieving painterly effects in photography. George Eastman House is the curator of the original works.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 9 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights bolstered by one continuous fixture, Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota. Lens cap removal and set assistance by Tom Wirtz.

Apple Creek Gallery - University Of Mary Dedicated to Northern Plains Native Americans

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 21:22:19 GMT

The Apple Creek Gallery at the University of Mary, dedicated to my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective", Thank you Monsignor Shea and Austin for bringing this permanent art installation to life. The gallery can be found in the new Lumen Vitae Center at the University here in Bismarck. What an honor to have my work here just a mile up the hill from my original makeshift studio. Thank you Monsignor Shea for thinking my work warrants this attention.

Video of Shane Seeing Gallery for First Time on 3-4-2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKu68-9VtuI

KX News story of Apple Gallery: https://www.kxnet.com/news/top-stories/university-of-mary-displays-room-with-local-photographers-pieces/

Digital photos by Chad Nodland the Official Digital Photographer of Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio

Cheyenne Eete Kippenberger "Fire" Miss Indian World 2019-2021 in Wet Place Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 15:52:13 GMT

Cheyenne Eete Kippenberger

"Fire", Seminole Tribe of Florida, Miss Indian World 2019-2021, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass, for my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective". She flew in from Florida to participate in my series. I made a promise to Cheyenne to get some of the plates to museums in Florida and two of her state's historical societies now possess the original plates, a huge honor.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 10 seconds of exposure. 8x10" black glass ambrotypes, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights bolstered by one continuous fluorescent at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio.

"Love And War" Reversed Double Exposure in Wet Plate Collodion Honoring Jan Saudek

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 18:50:41 GMT

Love And War Wet PltateDouble Exposure

“Love And War” with Jill Rossi and Grace Gierke, a double exposure in-camera wet plate collodion photograph in the historic process of silver on black glass. I was inspired by the glorious work of Jan Saudek. I thought It would be challenging to attempt the illusions that he created in the darkroom with my camera.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, two 11 seconds of exposures, 8x10” black glass ambrotype, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights bolstered by continuous fluorescents at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota.

COVID-19 Social Isolation Wet Plate Series Acquired by Plains Art Museum

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 15:31:52 GMT

I just received confirmation from Andy Maus from the Plains Art Museum that their board has decided to acquire my entire series “Covid-19 Social Isolation Wet Plate Series” for their permanent archive. It makes me very happy the works will be kept here in my home state of North Dakota long after I am gone.

Plains Art Museum is the largest and only accredited art museum in North Dakota, reflecting our “demonstration of the highest professional standards for education, public service and collections stewardship, and a commitment to continued institutional improvement.” Less than 7% of American museums have the distinction of being accredited.

https://plainsart.org/

COVID-19 Social Isolation Wet Plate Series (Seven Plates):

8x10” black glass ambrotype of Greyson Shane Balkowitsch “The Susceptibility Of Everyone” taken on 3-20-2020 (#3491)

8x10” black glass ambrotype of Shane Bart Balkowitsch (Self Portrait) “The Mask Of Social Isolation” taken on 3-27-2020 (#3496)

8x10” black glass ambrotype of Alyvia Jean Balkowitsch “Girl With Virus” taken on 4-10-2020 (#3501)

8x10” black glass ambrotype of Abby Ava Balkowitsch “Nurses: The Front Line Of A Pandemic” taken on 4-17-2020 (#3507)

8x10” black glass ambrotype of Bonnie Jean Balkowitsch “Contagion Beauty” taken on 4-24-2020 (#3513)

8x10” black glass ambrotype of Mahliya Sophia Balkowitsch “Coronavirus Tea Time” taken on 5-1-2020 (#3515)

8x10” black glass ambrotype of Abby Balkowitsch and Dalton Kral “COVID-19 The Chaperone Of Prom” taken on 5-8-2020 (#3516)

8x10” black glass ambrotype of the North Dakota COVID Memorial “North Dakota Departed” taken on 10-28-2020 (#3696)

8x10” black glass ambrotype of Eve Marie Lancaster “The Maskless Infusion” taken on 10-30-2020 (#3701)

https://fence.photoville.com/covid-19-social-isolation-wet-plate-series/?fbclid=IwAR2hNv067w6lVfYjpeWzE_GwPE4ago-r4OhLPxEQAmmcFP-zqwwpjtDoe8w

"Dignity" Native American Statue in Chamberlain South Dakota Captured in Wet Plate

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 14:26:54 GMT

The statue “Dignity” captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass.

I will be making prints and cabinet cards available to raise funds for the American Indian College Fund. I will also be donating the original plate to the South Dakota State Historical Society. Representative Tamara St. John from South Dakota was on hand to show support for this effort.

Dignity is a sculpture on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River near Chamberlain, South Dakota. The 50-foot high stainless steel statue by South Dakota artist laureate Dale Claude Lamphere depicts an Indigenous woman in Plains-style dress receiving a star quilt.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f8, 2 seconds of exposure, 8x10” black glass ambrotype.

"Telesilla In Stone" Wet Plate Collodion with Angie Kambeitz

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:48:29 GMT

"Telesilla In Stone" with Angie Swiec Kambeitz, in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 9 seconds of exposure, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights. 8x10" black glass ambrotype at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota. Styling by Kary Janousek and Abby Balkowitsch.

"Girl With Virus" During COVID-19 Pandemic Wet Plate Collodion by Shane Balkowitsch

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 16:00:42 GMT

"Girl With Virus" with my daughter Alyvia Jean Balkowitsch, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass, inspired by the work of Banksy. She turned 9 years old yesterday.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 10 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylight. The virus prop was kindly provided to us by Greg Gerla in Canada.

"Girl with Virus" with my daughter Alyvia was projected on a wall in Los Angeles late last night. This is what kindness and thoughtfulness looks like during a pandemic. My friend and fellow photographer Stephen Levey did this for my daughter's birthday after finding out she could not have a party. These are trying times for us all, but let us all be reminded of the small things we can do for each other to make a difference in each other's lives. Alyvia could not have a real birthday party because of the pandemic, but now she has this. It needs to be said that Stephen and I have never met, we just have a profound appreciation for each other's work.

What I find very poignant about this projection is that Banksy started with his graffiti on walls, this image was inspired by him and now this inspiration is back on a wall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aepRZlMIIRE

https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/coronavirus-inspires-bismarck-photographer/

"Demeter Awakens" Wet Plate Collodion by Shane Balkowitsch with Carlee Gifford

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 14:22:08 GMT

"Demeter Awakens" with Carlee Gifford, a diptych in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. A collaboration with Rachael TreeTop from Crabapple Floral.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 11 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylight bolstered by one continuous fluorescent fixture, at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota.

"Columbus Landed, Columbus Fell" Wet Plate Collodion to Take Back Columbus Day

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 17:35:00 GMT

“Columbus Landed, Columbus Fell”, with Allan Demaray and Lance Loken, wet plate collodion.

“Indigenous people north and south were displaced, died of disease, and were killed by Europeans through slavery, rape, and war. In 1491, about 145 million people lived in the western hemisphere. By 1691, the population of indigenous Americans had declined by 90-95 percent, or by around 130 million people." - Wikipedia

This wet plate is my attempt to address the genocide that has occurred in North America since Christopher Columbus landed on August 3rd, 1492.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 10 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype using natural light through Northern facing windows and skylights at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota.

https://msumadvocate.com/2020/03/06/i-killed-columbus/

"BALKOWITSCH" Documentary to Premiere at Fargo Film Festival March 18th, 2020

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 17:08:44 GMT

The feature length documentary “Balkowitsch” will screen at the Fargo Film Festival on March 18th, 7pm at the historic Fargo Theatre. Directors Greg DeSaye and Chelsy Ciavarella will participate in question and answer session following the screening.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11929442/

Much controversy is surrounding Shane's work coming into this festival. Recently he received personal threats, boycotting and vandalism in his home city of Bismarck for a mural "Standing For Us All" with Greta Thunberg that he tried to install in an alley. His previous mural that has been up for over a year called "Liberty Trudges Through Injustice" was egged. Over 50 local, national and international news organizations ran with the story of hate that was thrown his way. A grass roots movement in Fargo with the guidance and leadership of Michael Williams agreed to take the art installation in Fargo as a way to show that not all of North Dakota feels this way. The large installation will be installed at the Frontstreet Taproom in Fargo at 1pm on the day of the opening of the film. The city of Poughkeepsie in New York has also decided to install the piece for their residents to enjoy. Shane also has plans himself to install the mural at Standing Rock near Sitting Bull College. The film has since been awarded the "Prairie Spirit Award" and has received Honorable Mention by the film festival.

Everyone has a purpose, but most spend their lives searching. For one man, his purpose came late in life and has been fueled with passion, spreading like wildfire across the prairies and now spanning the world.

Shane Balkowitsch has found his voice through the lost art of wet plate photography. He is archiving history, preserving bloodlines and capturing his visions in silver on glass for future generations.

"Art can be a weapon for change and we artists have the ability to wield it at will." - Shane Balkowitsch

"Alice in Wonderland" in Wet Plate Collodion by Shane Balkowitsch

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 20:59:40 GMT

Alice in Wonderland" a wet plate collaboration, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass.

Thank you Dan Miller for bringing us all together. The fabulous Amber Sams, Caylin Cathey, Tessa Marie and Caitlin Dooley we stupendous in their roles.

Not many people know that Lewis Carroll was an accomplished wet plate collodion photographer as well as an author.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, 8x10" black glass ambrotypes, f4.5, 10 seconds of exposure using Northern light through windows and skylight bolstered by continuous lights.

"The Passing of King Arthur" in Wet Plate Collodion Inspired by Julia Margaret Cameron

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 20:53:21 GMT

"The Passing of King Arthur", wet plate inspired by the work of Julia Margaret Cameron, circa 1875, in the same process that she used in the Victoria ero.

Thank you Kevin R Tengesdal, Kary Janousek, Ali Horner, Jesse Castillo, Shaelynn Larson, Laine Pope and Anthony Nelson for all you did for this image.

8x10" black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate process of pure silver on glass, Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 9 seconds of exposure, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylight at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio.

"The Lady of Shalott" in wet plate collodion, inspired by the poem by Lord Tennyson and the painting of John William Waterhouse, circa 1888.

"King Ahasuerus and Queen Esther in Apocrypha", a wet plate inspired by the beautiful work of Julia Margaret Cameron, circa 1865.

"Standing For Us All" with Greta Thunberg in Wet Plate Collodion at Standing Rock

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 18:00:33 GMT

"Standing For Us All" is the name I have chosen for this wet plate of Greta Thunberg. This image has been shared hundreds of times with thousands of likes in the past 24 hours. Before she left us yesterday I asked her father Svante a question. I asked him "What can I do for Greta and her cause?". He explained to me that I have already done my role by taking her wet plate. His only request was that the images be shared with the world along with Greta's message.

"People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are at the beginning of a mass extinction and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you." - Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg captured for the first time in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. Her message is simple. Listen to the science and then take action.

I need to thank Jen Jewett for making this happen. I am forever grateful. I also need to thank Standing Rock for helping us capture this history on their lands. My friend Chad Nodland also took the day off to be able to take some behind the scene images that I will share soon. I need to thank my daughter Abby Ava Balkowitsch for being there for me today. She helped me greatly achieve these two exposures in less than 30 minutes.

Last but not least, I want to thank Greta and her father Svante for giving us their time and trust. This opportunity means the world to me.

8x10" black glass ambrotypes, natural light., Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f5.6, 3 seconds of exposure, October 8th, 2019.

Some Articles About the Plates of Greta (Over 75 Articles Have Been Written and Published Worldwide):

https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2019/12/02/us/ap-us-thunberg-standing-rock.html

https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Library-of-Congress-archives-Greta-Thunberg-wet-plate-photo-565712851.html

https://petapixel.com/2019/10/15/a-wet-plate-portrait-of-greta-thunberg/

https://mymodernmet.com/best-photos-of-2019/

https://apnews.com/9967e80965f84fa697bfbcd5d8f1f7e5

https://emulsive.org/articles/darkroom/wet-plate/greta-thunberg-capturing-the-voice-of-the-21st-century-using-150-year-old-wet-plate-photography

https://mymodernmet.com/native-american-portraits-shane-balkowitsch/

https://www.analogforevermagazine.com/features-interviews/shane-balkowitschs-historical-wetplates-greta-thunberg
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Update 11/13/2019 -

My young friend Greta Thunberg just shared my wet plate "Standing For Us All" on Instragram, Facebook and Twitter! The wet plates received over 2,000,000 likes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4zpzsApiS4/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

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Update 11/20/2019 -

It is official! I just received confirmation that the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. (Prints and Photographs Division) is going to permanently archive and curate my original ambrotype of Greta Thunberg (Plate #3328) "Standing For Us All".

It is so very rewarding to know that this work will be preserved and shared long after I am gone.

https://www.loc.gov/

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Update 12/18/2019 -

My Modern Met selects the wet plate "Greta" as one of the Top 50 Photographs of the Year.

https ://mymodernmet.com/best-photos-of-2019/

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Update 12/23/2019 -

I just received confirmation that the Nordiska Museet in Sweden has received the original into their archive. They are going to permanently archive and curate my original ambrotype of Greta Thunberg (Plate #3327) "Greta".

https://www.nordiskamuseet.se/en

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Update 2-11-2020 -

In an attempt to get large print of Greta installed in an alley downtown Bismarck, I have been met with opposition, KFYR informed me that they were doing a story with or without me.

https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Greta-Thunberg-Mural-being-considered-for-downtown-Bismarck-567782031.html

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Update 2-12-2020 -

Threats of boycotts and threats of vandalism derailed the installation of the mural I was proposing Bismarck, but we have won, "Standing For Us All" is now being installed in Fargo, North Dakota as well as Poughkeepsie, New York. Thousands of people from around the world have shown support and come to my aid. The arts were under attack and I used my art as a weapon to drive back the hate and ugliness. SEE SOME OF THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL articles below:

https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Greta-Thunberg-Mural-being-considered-for-downtown-Bismarck-567782031.html

https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/threats-of-boycotts-derail-artist-s-plans-for-greta-thunberg/article_4e8ed731-fb1e-5a80-be04-6c673d1bae53.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Artist-Pulls-Plans-to-Install-Greta-Thunberg-Mural-in-Bismarck-567810201.html

https://www.inforum.com/news/government-and-politics/4934343-Mural-of-Greta-Thunberg-wont-go-forward-in-Bismarck-after-public-backlash

https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/02/12/us/ap-us-thunberg-mural.html?searchResultPosition=5

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/artist-scraps-plans-for-thunberg-mural-after-boycott-threats/ar-BBZWy2r?li=BBnb7Kz

https://amp.sanluisobispo.com/entertainment/celebrities/article240244596.html

https://kfgo.com/podcasts/nighttime-live-with-bob-harris/941/thunberg-portrait-in-bismarck-will-not-go-up-on-outside-wall/#

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/artist-scraps-plans-thunberg-mural-boycott-threats-68948097

https://www.thedailybeast.com/artist-scraps-plan-for-greta-thunberg-mural-in-north-dakota-after-threats?ref=home&via=FB_Page&source=TDB&fbclid=IwAR28WbAazeimaBkEaDLVMWaCXiXm9K8bKPJoLKWXiMKSdDBVQrIcZPR2cKs

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/02/13/greta-thunberg-mural/

https://kosmofoto.com/2020/02/greta-thunberg-wet-plate-portrait-mural-axed-after-uproar/

https://earther.gizmodo.com/trolls-force-artist-to-cancel-a-planned-greta-thunberg-1841666327

https://petapixel.com/2020/02/13/photographer-cancels-photo-mural-of-greta-thunberg-after-boycott-threats/

https://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/News-of-the-Day-From-Across-the-Nation-Feb-12-15051942.php

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/2/13/1918941/-Who-s-Afraid-of-Greta-Thunberg-Apparently-A-Whole-Bunch-of-Folks-In-Bismarck-ND-That-s-Who?fbclid=IwAR3OzYzNXxfoYSOBOBGmGd2Axz3nxA7yGPpBOXX5bYYbB3_njg02mjg_O24

https://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/muralmalning-av-greta-thunberg-slopas-efter-kritik/

https://www.inforum.com/news/4941611-Nixed-in-Bismarck-after-backlash-Greta-Thunberg-mural-appears-destined-for-Fargo

https://www.kxnet.com/crime-tracker/downtown-bismarck-mural-vandalized-one-day-after-artist-scraps-plans-for-another-amid-vandalism-threats/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KX_News

https://www.inforum.com/news/4953523-Fargo-business-welcomes-controversial-mural-of-climate-activist-Greta-Thunberg#.XkcJJZIqL0k.facebook

https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Shane-Balkowitsch-mural-vandalized-in-downtown-Bismarck-567852661.html

https://sputniknews.com/environment/202002141078310843-bounced-greta-thunberg-mural-welcomed-in-fargo-north-dakota/

https://bismarcktribune.com/opinion/editorial/tribune-editorial-art-vandalism-threats-should-not-be-tolerated/article_d2176442-1a98-5121-84c0-a9e194422ee8.amp.html

https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Greta-Thunberg-mural-set-to-come-to-Fargo-567919011.html

https://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/muralmalning-av-greta-thunberg-slopas-efter-kritik/

https://shotkit.com/shane-balkowitsch/

https://bismarcktribune.com/opinion/columnists/gary-adkisson-even-in-art-hypocrisy-knows-no-bounds/article_46c9ac79-6af5-56c6-8101-4264d4202381.html

https://www.willistonherald.com/news/state/balkowitsch-mural-egged-in-downtown-bismarck-new-home-found-for/article_db1f7c7e-4f5b-11ea-9cd0-9b1bac496ce6.html

https://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/balkowitsch-mural-egged-in-downtown-bismarck-new-home-found-for/article_a96b77b0-67c2-5af9-ad6f-2cd87588f70a.html

https://www.kvrr.com/2020/02/14/front-street-taproom-to-display-greta-thunberg-mural/

https://journaltimes.com/news/national/artist-scraps-plans-for-thunberg-mural-after-boycott-threats/article_aeb55a19-6e50-5991-b5ca-ef2bcb715a5c.html

https://knoxradio.com/news/local/artist-scraps-plans-thunberg-mural-bismarck

https://740thefan.com/news/articles/2020/feb/13/balkowitsch-mural-vandalized-in-bismarck/984933/

https://syvnews.com/news/national/rebuffed-in-bismarck-thunberg-mural-likely-headed-to-fargo/article_3cdfd278-8dff-521f-99c5-caac1b2df6db.html

http://fargofilmfestival.org/index.php/2020/02/17/balkowitsch-receives-prairie-spirit-award/

https://www.kxnet.com/news/artist-whose-mural-was-vandalized-speaks-out/

https://bismarcktribune.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/greta-thunberg-mural-finds-home-in-fargo-unveiling-could-coincide/article_40cf4eb9-624d-5815-a568-d6ee7e86ae5d.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

https://kfgo.com/2020/02/14/its-the-ones-well-never-know-about/

https://www.inforum.com/opinion/4957795-Port-Greta-Thunberg-mural-fight-has-devolved-into-Olympics-level-pettiness

https://www.willistonherald.com/news/state/greta-thunberg-mural-finds-home-in-fargo-unveiling-could-coincide/article_dc9ba13e-529b-11ea-a704-9773a745918e.html

https://hpr1.com/index.php/opinion/editorial/art-for-our-sake/

https://www.inforum.com/news/4962240-Greta-Thunberg-mural-intended-for-Bismarck-now-spotted-across-the-globe?fbclid=IwAR2gzdiADb_b0jD-dk7fMb53chCrcYLC9vyfgZIU4S7ESeBK541ylVQlYJQ

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2020/02/14/2003730990

https://www.kentucky.com/entertainment/celebrities/article240244596.html

https://mtstandard.com/news/national/artist-scraps-plans-for-thunberg-mural-after-boycott-threats/article_a544181e-6b6c-570f-9d92-80e6d7730077.html

https://www.express.co.uk/videos/6131796354001/Greta-Thunberg-Dakota-mural-is-to-share-art-says-Balkowitsch

https://www.ai-ap.com/publications/article/26328/what-we-learned-this-week-santu-mofokeng-photogr.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/the-energy-202/2020/02/14/the-energy-202-pressure-is-on-exxon-and-chevron-after-bp-makes-major-climate-pledge/5e45831b88e0fa4a22a4bc96/

https://bismarcktribune.com/opinion/columnists/mural-related-threats-reflect-badly-on-bismarck/article_1fa18c13-348c-5222-863b-009cd6074208.html

https://www.inforum.com/opinion/letters/4959903-Shaw-ND-makes-national-news-again-and-its-not-positive#.XlFfEldMXec.facebook

https://www.inforum.com/news/4962240-Greta-Thunberg-mural-intended-for-Bismarck-now-spotted-across-the-globe

https://www.inforum.com/opinion/letters/4959903-Shaw-ND-makes-national-news-again-and-its-not-positive#.XlFfEldMXec.facebook

https://vimeo.com/393432791

https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Bismarck-commission-to-discuss-public-art-policy-568160341.html?fbclid=IwAR0Cstnuuww5TiIF2vpG0RTh-cSdkSQjvQyJAIAOi9VKNA1QbNQLTsC9ToY

https://www.inforum.com/entertainment/art/4969850-Bismarck-artist-behind-controversial-Greta-Thunberg-mural-shares-stories-of-support-and-hate

https://www.cowboysindians.com/2020/02/photo-essay-shadow-catcher/

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Update 2/22/2020 - "The Anonymous Egging Of An Artist", self portrait by Shane Balkowitsch with the help of his children.

INTERVIEW of Shane Balkowitsch

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-87dej-d58ecc

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Update 3/21/2020 - "Standing For Us All" with Greta Thunberg is installed at the Frontstreet Taproom in Fargo, North Dakota. Mike Williams was instrumental in getting this accomplished and I am forever in his debt.

https://www.inforum.com/entertainment/art/5010233-Controversial-mural-of-climate-activist-Greta-Thunberg-installed-in-downtown-Fargo

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Update: 4/5/2020 - A big thank you to the anonymous person or persons that put this billboard up. “Standing For Us All” with Greta Thunberg. She is prominently displayed in the parking lot of Menards in Bismarck. This made my day. Art will prevail. Abby Ava Balkowitsch was with me when this image was made as well as Chad Nodland.

____________________

Update: 4/22/2020 - On Earth Day 2020, the news broke in Fargo of the egging of the Greta Thunberg mural. The mural was so damaged that it needed to be replaced.

https://www.inforum.com/community/5979223-Fargo%E2%80%99s-Greta-Thunberg-mural-vandalized-earlier-in-April-so-not-on-display-on-Earth-Day

https://www.inforum.com/news/crime-and-courts/6264602-Greta-Thunberg-mural-vandal-shown-in-surveillance-camera-images

Marcella Rose LeBeau "Pretty Rainbow Woman" Captured in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 20:21:40 GMT

Marcella Rose LeBeau "Pretty Rainbow Woman", Cheyenne River Lakota, Band of Oohenupa, for my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective". Marcella is in the South Dakota Hall of Fame and was a nurse in World War II. She is 99 years young and it was a true honor to be able to take this portrait for her family and legacy.

Digital Behind the Scene Color Photographs by Chad Nodland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-abHGgnRX4

https://www.sdstate.edu/graduation/commencement-program/marcella-lebeau

http://www.sdpb.org/blogs/arts-and-culture/upcoming-angels-in-our-midst-documentary-features-marcella-lebeau-of-eagle-butte/

http://www.wisdomoftheelders.org/turtle-island-storyteller-marcella-lebeau/

https://www.westrivereagle.com/articles/marcella-lebeau-named-veteran-of-the-day/

“BALKOWITSCH” Documentary To Screen At Human Rights Film Festival at Heritage Center

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 20:01:06 GMT

The feature length documentary “Balkowitsch” will screen at the 2019 North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival. The film will screen in Bismarck, North Dakota on Saturday, November 2 at 7 p.m. at the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum. Directors Greg DeSaye and Chelsy Ciavarella will participate in question and answer session following the screening.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11929442/

Balkowitsch the Documentary Balkowitsch the Documentary Balkowitsch the Documentary

"Brothers" Native American Bison Captured Wet Plate Collodion with Allan Demaray

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 15:29:12 GMT

"Mideegaadi" with Allan Demaray captured in the historical wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. The word for bison in Hidatsa is Mideegaadi. Different tribes on the plains have their own words to describe the sacred animals. I have also been informed that the word “Buffalo” is being used improperly to describe these animals in North America. Bison is the proper terminology and that is how I will refer to from them from this day forward.

Last year I chased the wild herd on the open plains for 8 hours at Standing Rock. The shot eluded me and I always knew I needed revisit the thoughts in my head. As I tell the college students when the visit my studio every year, "Do whatever it takes to get the shot, the final image in whatever form is all that matters". I applied that ideology yesterday.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f11, 3 seconds of exposure outside my studio in natural light, 8x10" black glass ambrotypes.

My bond with my brother Allan Demaray is becoming stronger every time we create together. My good friend Tom Wirtz was on hand to assist on the set and he also took some behind the scene images of our adventure together.

Tokeya Waci U Richardson the Great Great Great Grandson of Sitting Bull in Wet Plate

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 20:31:42 GMT

The Great Great Great Grandson of Sitting Bull, Tokeya Waci U Richardson "Comes Dancing First", Oglala Lakota / Haliwa-Saponi, for my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective".

8x10” black glass ambrotype, Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, naturally light through Northern facing windows and skylights, 10 seconds of exposure.

Visit his artist page below:

https://coupcountdesignz.indiemade.com/?fbclid=IwAR3ksw7vFGFsmDFonKFEQKsbR7gvHD9BPaNiuEoERq08Gq2jKzMGNPee-mM

https://youtu.be/bN0C9WvmM-A

"The Throne of Gods" A Wet Plate Collodion Collaboration

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 18:10:40 GMT

"The Throne of Gods" a wet plate collaboration took place at the State Library in Bismarck on July 20th, 2019. Over 45 collaborators came together for the day to recreated Zeus on his throne with his gods. Shane Balkowitsch, Ambrotypist from Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio in Bismarck was the resident photographer for the shoot.

THE THRONE OF GODS

A Wet Plate Collaboration

July 20th, 2019

Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio

at the North Dakota State Library, Capitol Grounds

Bismarck, North Dakota

Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Shane Balkowitsch, Ambrotypist

LIST OF COLLABORATORS

Cast:

Derek Harper (Zeus)

Steve Schirber (Poseidon)

Greyson Balkowitsch (Mercury)

Ben Pace (Pan)

Amber Sams (Medusa)

Pat Toepke (Cronos)

Bonnie Balkowitsch (Metis)

Abby Balkowitsch (Calliope)

Michele Oster Renner

Sharon Balkowitsch

Gregory Schmidt

Mahliya Balkowitsch (Cherub)

Alyvia Balkowitsch (Cherub)

Alex Nelson (Eileithyia)

Tricia Romanyshyn

John LaLonde

Winona Clarice (Artemis)

Emily Brandt

Support Staff:

Marek Dojs, Director

Michele Oster Renner, Wardrobe

Tom Wirtz, Assistant w/ Camera

Ivy Brown Jacobson, Hair

Jason Lueder, Master Carpenter

Mike LaLonde, Photography

Moira McNichols, Make-up

Chad Nodland, Head Photographer

Paul Noot, Painter & Art Direction

Dustin White, Writer & Poet

Laine Pope, Medusa Headdress

Kimberly Reuer, Assistant

Rissa Williams, Cloud Design

Andrea Fagerstrom, Art Consultant

Laura Barker, Tent and Assistant Marcus Johnson, Photography

Troy Balzer, Photography

Melanie Kuntz Malsam, Make-up

Phillip Litton, Videographer

Lance Loken, Set Assistant

Chelsy Ciavarella, Videographer

Greg DeSaye, Videographer

Michael Stevenson, Harp & Costumes

Steve Schirber, Blacksmith

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f11, 2.5 seconds of exposure, 8x10” black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass, Alessandro Gibellini camera called “Red Molly”.

Congresswoman Deb Haaland Captured in Wet Plate Collodion by Shane Balkowitsch

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 19:59:21 GMT

Congresswoman Debra Haaland, “Crushed Turquoise”, Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico’s 1st District, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. This was one of the most important honors of my photographic journey. She traveled very far to be part of “Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective”. She arrived as a stranger and left as a friend.

This plate will be indefinitely archived at the North Dakota Historical Society here in Bismarck. A second plate will go to New Mexico’s Historical Society as well.

8x10” black glass ambrotype, Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 9 seconds of exposure, natural light through Norther facing windows and skylight. Thank you Margaret Gonzalez-Yellowbird for being by my side and assisting with this historic series of plates.

A quote by the Congresswoman in the front of the "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective":

“Shane’s work shines on its artistic merit and for its collaborative
nature. It is genuine and enthusiastic on a human level. For the folks
of many different Indian tribes who sit for his portraits, and who often
become his life-long friends, Shane builds lasting rapport. It is this
rapport, and the importance of honest collaboration between people
of different cultures, that is so vital for our country and is at the heart of
moving forward as a nation. I strive to emulate the rapport that Shane
has achieved in his art in the work I’m doing in Congress. Shane’s
photographs are not only beautiful, they convey the best example
of good people working together to achieve something great.”
March 21st, 2019, Congresswoman Debra A. Haaland

After some reflection, I have determined that this plate, plate #3194 which is plate #319 for my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective" will go to the State Historical Society of North Dakota permanently. It has always been my goal to give my best work to our state archive. I also received confirmation from Congresswoman Deb Haaland that this was also her favorite plate of the day. Cementing for me this important decision.

As I stated in my speech on Sunday: "I can make all the work in the world but without their expertise and commitment to curation, this series would be scattered to the wind by time."

I still have to determine which plate to donate to the Congresswoman's Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections in New Mexico. Providing an original plate to her Historical Society is a promise I made to her months ago.

I will then gift a plate to our lady and will keep one for my wall to share with visitors to my natural light studio. It will be displayed with pride and serve as a reminder of our time together. All four plates will be shared and accounted for.

Thank you Chad Nodland and Chris Hagen (High Plains Reader) for capturing these behind the scene images.

https://www.vox.com/21572229/native-american-secretary-interior-biden-cabinet?fbclid=IwAR3pP2fodUD-rPEuYY9UGkpihYlpiBQGVbY9z2bF7d8Yr_Z7S2b5t6st278

Ernie LaPointe "Crow Foot" The Great Grandson of Sitting Bull in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 20:28:58 GMT

Ernie LaPointe “Crow Foot”, Lakota, the Great Grandson of Sitting Bull, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass.

Orlando Scott Goff captured Sitting Bull on July 31st, 1881 in Bismarck, then the Dakota Territory in the same historic process. I have now done that again for Ernie 138 years later in the same city. This is the third time Ernie has traveled to my studio for portraits.

His original plate was plate #1 for “Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective” and that portrait “Eternal Field” appears on the cover of Volume 1.

Ernie is in town to speak at my books signing tomorrow at the State Historical Society of North Dakota, 2pm at the Heritage Center in Bismarck. Please join us. Me and my dear friend Ernie Lapointe, we have been laughing together since the moment I met him in 2014.

This is what it is about for me, trust, friendship and moments of time preserved. How will we be remembered?

Congresswoman Deb Haaland to Speak at Book Signing for Northern Plains Native Americans

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 17:38:25 GMT

I just received formal confirmation, Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo), U.S. Congresswoman for New Mexico’s 1st District is going to be speaking at my book signing "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective". This is the largest honor that has ever been bestowed upon my work and the series I have been working on with all my friends.

PLEASE SHARE, the public is welcome and for the anticipated crowd size we are going to move the talks out to the outside amphitheater venue.

This is her first visit to North Dakota and she is a hero to so many people. Look at what happens when friendship, trust and collaboration take hold! Remember regalias are cherished and welcomed. Let us have a huge crowd to honor her work in Congress.

“The work that Shane does for its artistic merit as well as for its collaborative nature is genuine and enthusiastic, on a human level. For the folks of many different Indian tribes, who sit for his portraits, and who often become his life-long friends, Shane builds real rapport. Beyond the making of art photographs, it is this rapport, and the importance of honest collaboration between people of different cultures, that is so important for our country and is at the center of the moving forward of our country. I’ll strive to emulate the rapport that Shane has achieved in his work, in the work I’m doing in Congress. Shane’s photographs are not only beautiful, but they convey the best example of good people working together to achieve something great.”

Debra Haaland (Laguna Pueblo)

Congresswoman – New Mexico’s 1st District

March 21^st, 2019

AVAILABLE NOW! Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective (Volume 1)

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 17:29:21 GMT

AVAILABLE NOW! "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective" (Volume 1).

Limited to 1000 artist copies, all books are numbered and signed. Also includes a free limited edition modern day cabinet card of my wet plate "Eternal Field" with Ernie LaPointe, the Great Grandson of Sitting Bull.

The sale of the book will benefit my favorite non-profit the American Indian College Fund.

Please copy and paste below link to purchase:

https://www.balkowitsch.com/ProductID-7685-ProductDetails.aspx

Shane Balkowitsch Visits the European Collodion Weekend ECW 2019 in Luxembourg

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 17:21:03 GMT

I spent the afternoon scanning the plates that I received from my friends at the European Collodion Weekend 2019 in Luxembourg. The magical work of Maris Locmelis, Silvano Magnone and Anabelle Schattens. The next step is to frame them on black felt and hang them in my studio to share with all the visitors of my natural light studio.

I am so blessed to have such creative artists in my life. I feel that these images will bring a smile to my children's faces long after I am gone. The ultimate power of photography is to leave a permanent record of the past.

Thank you Maris, Anabelle and Silvano.

St. Mary's Church, Bismarck, North Dakota Captured in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 14:43:26 GMT

Saint Mary's Church, Bismarck, North Dakota with Father Jared Johnson and both 3rd grade classes standing out front. This may be the first time the Church has ever been captured in the historic process I hold so dear. Orlando Scott Goff had already established his wet plate studio by 1875 in Bismarck. I am not sure if he ever pointed his lens at this structure. An original plate is going to be auctioned off next week for charity. Bonnie Balkowitsch was my wet plate assistant today and she helped me considerably on site. I love you.

The idea I had for the extreme angle shot was thinking about what it was like when I was young boy and I stood in front of this Church. How tall the steeple seemed to me. It felt like it reached into the heavens. I am calling the plate "A Child's View of the Steeple at St. Mary's". My grandparents, and my parents and my wife and I have all been married in this Church. I was an alter boy when I was ten years old and I helped with mass under Monsignor Feehan nearly 40 years ago. I remember that he would always reach into his little coin purse after ever mass and give us alter boys a dime for our services. I still have some of them to this day. I have fond memories of this place.

1875 - The Church of the Immaculate Conception, later known as the Church of St. Mary, is built at the corner of Main Avenue and Mandan Street in Bismarck. Fr. John Baptiste Marie Genin was the builder of the original St. Mary's Church.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 250mm lens, f11, 2 seconds of exposure, 7x7" square black glass ambrotypes in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. I used my original 5x7” camera, my first camera to capture these plates.

https://stmarysbismarck.org/

Kary Danelle Janousek Captured in Wet Plate Collodion at Nostalgic Glass

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 19:42:03 GMT

Lady Kary Danelle Janousek captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. Kary is the proprietor of High Hat Couture where she makes and restores historic hats.

https://www.etsy.com/se-en/shop/HighHatCouture

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 11 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotypes, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylight at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota.

The plate with her on the couch with the bottle is called "The Couch Traveler".

Book Signing - Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective (Volume 1)

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 19:37:58 GMT

Please celebrate with us the official book signing and launch of Volume 1 of "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective". At 2PM Ernie LaPointe the Great Grandson of Sitting Bull will be giving a short talk with flute playing by Dakota Goodhouse and an introduction by Shane Balkowitsch.

There will be Native American singers and dancers in the glass atrium following the talks. Shane will be on hand to sign copies of the first book for the series. This book celebrates the milestone of 250 plates for the series. All of the original black glass ambrotypes are curated by the Historical Society of North Dakota. Fifty of Shane's favorite images are featured in this first volume of 4 planned books.

Regalias Welcome, Honored and Cherished. There will be some refreshments and snacks also available to all who attend.

Worldwide Shipping! If you are out of the area and want to reserve a copy of the book when it becomes available complete this online form https://nostalgicglass.inditioncra.com/qz5wish

"The Unexpected Eyes of Carlee" with Carlee Kora Gifford in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 20:28:42 GMT

"The Unexpected Eyes of Carlee" with Carlee Kora Gifford, a student visitor captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass.

Carl Zeiss 300mm Tessar lens, f4.5, 11 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, natural light through Northern facing window and skylight.

"Enemies on the Plains" with Allan Demaray and C.J. Graham in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 18:23:37 GMT

"Enemies on the Plains" with Allan Demaray "The Little Missouri" Mandan Hidatsa Arikara and C.J. Graham "Many Bears" Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f11, 3 seconds of exposure, temperature -2 degrees Farenheit, 8x10" black glass ambrotype.

https://www.facebook.com/nostalgicglasswetplate/

Accompanied by Joseph Kayne of Evanston, Illinois.

This was Allan Demaray's second visit to my studio. Our thought was to do a dramatic wet patle scene in the snow. We had many conversations about how to set this up, what they were going to wear. We had no idea on the day of the shoot it would be -2 degrees F. outside. We were up against it, but we prevailed. It was very common for Native Americans to war with each other, as it was even more common for white people to war against each other. It is a dramatization of history, a way of remembering the past, for if we do not look at the past, how can we know where we are going.

"Tresses of Amber" with Amber Christine Sams Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 20:04:24 GMT

“Tresses of Amber” with my friend Amber Sams, a black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 12 seconds of exposure, 8x10” black glass, natural light through Northern facing window and skylight.

If you like my work, please follow my artist page -https://m.facebook.com/nostalgicglasswetplate/

"The Five Transitions of Grief" Wet Plate Collodion by Shane Balkowitsch

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 21:50:14 GMT

"The Five Transitions of Grief" - Denial, Misery, Bargaining, Acceptance and Overpowering, a wet plate collodion pentaptych, with the fabulous Caylin Cathey and Kevin R Tengesdal. Ola Klimczak was also present to help behind the scenes. We have all felt grief and we all experience in our own ways. I believe it is the Oncology nurse in me that draws me to this reflection.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 11 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotypes, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylight.

Watch a Video that Kevin Tengesdal composed -

Shane Balkowitsch "Shadow Catcher" Native American Naming Ceremony by Calvin Grinnell

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:17:21 GMT

I am very honored and happy to report that today I received a new name. Calvin Grinnell "Running Elk" from the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation bestowed upon my own Native American name in a formal ceremony this afternoon. The name he chose for me was Maa'ishda tehxixi Agu'agshi which is Hidatsa and translates in English as "Shadow Catcher". D.F. Barry was known as "Little Shadow Catcher" and Edward Curtis was also knows as "Shadow Catcher", both significant Native American photographers that came before me. Calvin was aware of this and felt it was important for me to carry on the name and the tradition since they are no longer with us. Jason Morsette also gifted me a song called "Shadow Catcher" that he composed and sang for me during the ceremony. It was a beautiful ceremony and I want to thank everyone that attended, you know who you are.

I cannot explain in words what an honor this is for me and for the work I am trying to do for my friends. They are now not only my friends but my brothers and sisters going forward.

At the end of the ceremony we had a traditional meal together and exchanged gifts in my natural light studio. It was important for me to capture the event and my formal witnesses in silver on glass. Here you see an 8x10" black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate collodion process. From left to right you will find Jason Morsette, Calvin Grinnell, Shane Balkowitsch, Tonweya Tokaheya (Dakota Goodhouse), Margaret Gonzalez-Landin and Tiffany Baker.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f11, 2 seconds of exposure, I composed the shot and poured the plate and my daughter Abby did the honor of removing the lens cap.

"Necessary P.O. Box Not Allowed!" a Political Wet Plate Collodion with Margaret Landin

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 19:03:15 GMT

“Necessary P.O. Box Not Allowed!”, a wet plate collodion photograph in the historic process of silver on glass. Margaret Gonzalez-Landin, Dan Francis and Tom Wirtz were wonderful in helping me capture this important political image. PLEASE SHARE!

I had to come to the aid of my friends who are being forced through many steps in order to vote this November. This new unfair law is making it more difficult for Native Americans and others minorities to vote.

Just so everyone understands, the United States Government will not deliver to most physical addresses on the Reservations and require a post office box for mail. Remember we forced them on these reservations. This is a system and a requirement that has been in place for decades. But now a P.O. is not valid to vote? Most all states allow P.O. Box addresses for voting and North Dakota did until recently. This is a scheme to make legitimate citizens of this state illegible to vote and that simply will not stand. We need to make it easier for people to vote instead of making it harder. The technology that we have available can easily solve this problem, but we would rather disenfranchise people.

The point here is that Native Americans SHOULD NOT have to take ANY extra steps to insure they can vote in elections. Telling them to complete a PROVISIONAL BALLOT is telling them, your vote will not matter anyway. They were the first people of this country, need we be reminded. My wet plate camera is a tool that I am trying to use for positive change and awareness.

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/native-americans-north-dakota-fight-protect-voting-rights/story?id=58585206

A Lone Buffalo at Standing Rock Wet Plate Collodion Photo of Wild Buffalo on Open Plains

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 18:00:35 GMT

I was very honored to be given the opportunity to take my portable wet plate dark room to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. I was given permission to attempt to capture their official herd of wild buffalo. A task that I could never have been prepared for, no matter what previous wet plate experience I have had. Ray Moore, Sr. introduced me to Sid Bailey the gentleman that is responsible for caring for this majestic and sacred animals. We were also joined by Scott Davis who is the Director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission.

We spent 6 hours in 85 degree weather with 30mph winds trying to capture these beautiful animals in the process that I hold so dear. It was nearly impossible to get the darkroom, the camera and the chemicals close enough to the animals in the timeframes required by the process. If the plate dries in the field, the image is lost so we only had minutes to get the shot, and we found it more difficult than ever imagined. These animals have hundred and hundreds of acres to roam, and roam they did. I had to setup and take down my portable darkroom and chemicals no less than six times throughout the day. When we first entered the field, Ray went around and smudged each of us and our vehicles before entering the buffalo's homeland. It was a very spiritual moment and it prepared us for the task at hand.

At the end of the day, the last image of the day, we spent an hour capturing what I now call "A Lone Buffalo at Standing Rock". What I was left with was a sincere feeling of respect not only for the fabulous animals, but also for my Native American friend. To think that they would hunt these animals on the open plains with no fences with nothing more than a bow and arrow or maybe a spear is almost unimaginable. We had a meal together in the open under the beating sun and we all felt the achievement, we felt that we were making history in a small sense. When was the last time this was ever done, if ever? The buffalo do what buffalo want, as it should be. I was amazed at the way they could transverse the open plains, when our modern 4x4 trucks were put to their limits. The chemicals sloshing around in the back and the plates rattling as they dried.

I was honored to be able to even attempt this and now that we have an image to show for it, I am proud of what we did that day, together, as a group. Our entire goal was to pay these animals the respect that they deserve. The fact that the best image of the day was of a single bull roaming up the hillside, speaks volumes to what we did to the once herds that numbered in the millions. Also, it makes me think of how difficult it must have been for the Native Americans to be isolated by our government to a reservation when all they knew was to roam freely in this world.

My life's work is to capture my friends here as they are today, to show that they are still here, to show that we have not stripped them of their culture or their spirit and to give them the dignity and respect they deserve for being the first people of this nation.

The above digital black and white images were captured by Tom Wirtz. Tom was also very instrumental in us capturing the final shot of the day and I am forever grateful for his friendship.

Monte Owen Yellow Bird, Sr., "Black Pinto Horse", Arikara Hidatsa in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 15:51:36 GMT

Monte Owen Yellow Bird, Sr., "Black Pinto Horse", Arikara Hidatsa, a second visit to my studio by this great artist.

8x10" black glass ambrotypes in the historic wet plate collodion process.

https://www.blackpintohorsefinearts.com/

Allan Demaray, Jr. "The Little Missouri" Captured in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 12 Sep 2018 15:41:42 GMT

Allan Thomas Demaray, Jr., "The Little Missouri", Mandan Hidatsa Arikara, wet plate collodion images for the series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective".

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 11 seconds of exposure for studio plates, 2 seconds of exposure for outdoor plate, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, natural light.

http://sharoncol.balkowitsch.com/northernplains.htm

Genevieve Rae Iron Lightning - Miss Black Hills - Captured in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 18:40:13 GMT

Genevieve Rae Iron Lighting, "Stands First Woman", Cheyenne River Sioux, presently Miss Black Hills 2017-2018 for my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective". This young lady drove over 500 miles to have her portrait taken in my natural light studio. It was a complete honor to capture her in the historic process that I hold so dear.

Tigirlily Revisted with Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh Captured in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 16:01:01 GMT

Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh of Tigirlily. They are amazing musicians from North Dakota and have been friends of my studio from the very beginning. Check out their music! https://tigirlily.com/home

The close-up plate of them is called "The Bond of Sisters" per their request.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 11 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotypes in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass, natural light through Northern facing windows and skylight.

Sister Nations Color Guard Captured in Wet Plate Collodion at Nostalgic Glass

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 19:09:38 GMT

"Sister Nations Color Guard", with Belinda Runningwolf, Anabah Littlefeather, Michela Fay Alire and Angel Young. They are four members of twelve that represent the armed services. It was an honor to be able to capture them in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. I want to thank them for their service to our country.

https://www.facebook.com/sisternationscolorguard/

8x10" black glass ambrotype, Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, 12 seconds of exposure, natural light through Northren facing windows and skylight.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/sisternationscolorguard/about/

"Liberty Trudges Through Injustice" A Wet Plate Collodion Collaboration

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 20:33:45 GMT

"Liberty Trudges Through Injustice", a wet plate collaboration, July 21st, 2018. This collaborions was inspired by the painting at the Louvre "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugène Delacroix.

Fifty-three collaborators came together for no other reason than to create this image together. This wet plate could not come at a more poignant time in our nation's history. Lady Liberty and all that she stands for and represents is in peril. We must come together and overcome all challenges to our freedom and the principles that this country was founded on. I want to thank each and every person that contributed to this fabulous adventure. I am so blessed to be on this creative path with all of you.

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, Alessandro Gibellini studio camera, f11, 2 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate process of pure silver on glass.

Shane Balkowtisch, Ambrotypist

Marek Dojs, Director

Michele Oster Renner, Wardrobe/Costumes

Cast:

Sabrina Hornung (Liberty)

Easton Freidt (Patriotic Boy)

Greyson Balkowitsch (Body)

Rachel Praus (Woman Bowing)

Andrea Andie Haman

Rissa Williams

Richard Loewen (Man w/ Sword)

Lance Loken

Eden Jackson (Soldier)

Kevin Tengesdal (Face Down)

John LaLonde

Derek Harper (Downed Officer)

Josh Knudsen Aleson

Rob Sandness

Adam Steen

Laura Barker

Jessica Gustafson

Steve Schirber (Blunderbuss)

James Kyle (Weapons Master)

Abby Balkowitsch

Mitchell Cottew

Lacy Perkins

Kithe Malsam

Jacek Dojs

Maja Dojs

Tony Fladeland (Flute Player)

Support Staff:

Tom Wirtz, Assistant w/ Camera

Moira McNichols, Liberty Styling

Doug Hanson, Ambrotype Consultant

Jason Lueder, Master Carpenter

Nolan Johnson, Videographer

Andrea Heidrich, Hair

Jenna Botner, Set Assistant

Chad Nodland, Photography

Paul Noot, Set and Art Design

Marcus Johnson, Photography

Louis Ronald Zurn, Photography

Pat Toepke, Prop Master

Dustin White, Writer & Poet

Melanie Kuntz Malsam, Make-up

Nika Ostby, Wet Plate Apprentice

Kyla Meadows, Make-up

Emily Brandt, Backdrop Manager

Angie Pember Brockey, Flag Design

Joe Gartner, Smoke Special Effects

Kevin Kirkey, Historic Props

Ivy Brown Jacobson, Hair

SUPPORTERS:

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Props, Kevin Kirkey

Bismarck Historical Society, Mike LaLonde

State Historical Society of ND, Emily Ergen & Lindsay Schott

Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative (BDAC), Paul Noot

The Legend of Heyokha with Reuben Fast Horse Captured in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 18:48:03 GMT

Reuben James Fast Horse, "Fast Horse", Hunkpapha (Hunkpapa), in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. Our main goal was to pay our respect to the great Heyokha. The human manifestation of the Wakinyan Oyate (The Thunder Beings), for my series Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective.

"For people who are as poor as us, who have lost everything, who had to endure so much death and sadness, laughter is a precious gift. When we were dying like flies from white man's disease, when we were driven into reservations, when the government rations did not arrive and we were starving, watching the pranks and capers of the Heyoka were a blessing" - John Fire Lame Deer

The heyoka (haokah, heyokha) is a kind of sacred clown in the culture of the Lakota people of the Great Plains of North America. The heyoka is a contrarian, jester, and satirist, who speaks, moves and reacts in an opposite fashion to the people around them.

"Without You" Wet Plate Collodion Ambrotypes with Natalie Tokach

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 18:49:03 GMT

“Without You”, with Natalie Tokach, black glass ambrotypes in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. Natalie last visited my studio nearly four years ago when she was 14. I promised her a plate to celebrate her recent graduation. Her Mother Jamie Petersen has been a friend of my studio from the beginning of my creative journey.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 9 seconds of exposure, all natural light through North facing studio windows at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Bismarck, North Dakota.

Floris White Bull "No Spiritual Surrender" NO DAPL in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 21 May 2018 15:55:04 GMT

"Ina" which translates as "Mother" and "No Spiritual Surrender" with Floris White Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota - Cochiti Pueblo, in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. Floris is a advocate for her people and was instrumental in the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. This plate will be part of my exhibition at the Rourke Art Museum this August.

If you are interested in her story, please watch "Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock", my wet plate work is also featured in the documentary.

https://www.netflix.com/title/80184376

8x10" black glass ambrotype, Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 11 seconds of exposure, natural light coming through Northern facing studio window at Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio. The closeup

WORDS OF FLORIS WHITE BULL, May 20th, 2018:

"I am beside myself. This life, this journey has been a long road with it's own twists and turns. It has never been anything I would have expected. Life has taken some of the most important people in my life. I pray for the strength to endure this heartache. It makes those I love that much more valuable. I understand the fragility of life. They say when you lose your parents that you see your own mortality, it's true. I see how valuable this one life we have is. With the passing of my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, I've also experienced the gift of motherhood. I cannot imagine my life without my children and nieces and nephews (blood and adopted). They've given my life purpose. My relatives and people, our way of life, has given me a solid foundation of love and an honorable path to aspire to. I still live to make my family proud in the Star Camps. I live my life so that I may hold my head high in the next life among our ancestors; that I will be able to say I did my best. You know how much you love your family. How when one gets sick or hurt, you wish you could do something to make it better, to help. Your child gets sick and you wish you could take it away. It's with this same love for the future generations that we fight. It's with this same love that measured against the threat of jail, is greater and worth the fight. We stand together out of love for our people, land, waters, the very lives that cannot voice their opposition- the trees, birds, the swimmers, the four legged, all creation that has every right to exist and be sustained by this world. Our love crosses the span of seven generations as we make the best decisions that we can with them in mind. What kind of life will they have? What will their quality of life be? We can bear the brunt of change for them. We have it within our power, unified, to right this path before it's out of our control. As a collective, humanity is taking so much that we are taking from the future. Our conviences are robbing those that come after us of even a simple life. We have it within our power to act. Not for glory. Not for ego. Not for credit. But out of love. That our actions come from a place of love. When we lose sight of our reasons, when our vision gets blurred by our human flaws of ego and jealousy, I pray we remind ourselves of our reasons to work through it with integrity, keeping in mind the youth are watching. Keep up the good fight my friends. Thank you again Shane Balkowitsch for your beautiful gift. For following your own heart. Where it has led along with your spirit has been a beautiful gift for the people. It has a power, a good power. Thank you so much for your friendship. Life is made beautiful by the souls that inspire, empower, uplift, and encourage."
#FREEREDFAWN #stillnoDAPL #waterislife

"Three Faces of Chief Crazy Horse" the Clown Family in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 17 May 2018 14:10:17 GMT

"Three Faces of Chief Crazy Horse", a triptych, Floyd Gene Clown, Sr. "Black Tail Calls You", Donald Peter Red Thunder "Crazy Horse" and Douglas Andrew War Eagle "Walks with Sacred Buffalo, of the Minnikojou Tribe. The Grandsons of "one of the greatest Native Americans Warriors of the 19th Century." These plates will be included with my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective" and archived by the Historical Society of North Dakota at the Heritage Center.

There is no known photograph of the great Chief. A 1934 sketch of Crazy Horse was made by a Mormon missionary after interviewing Crazy Horse's sister, who claimed the depiction was accurate.

The new book "Crazy Horse The Lakota Warrior's Life and Legacy" is now available.

https://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Horse-Lakota-Warr…/…/B01K97AWLK

8x10" black glass ambrotypes in the historic wet plate process of pure silver on black glass. Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 10 seconds of exposure, natural light through Northern facing studio windows.

"Composing Darkness" a Wet Plate Collodion Ambrotye with Richard Loewen

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 17 May 2018 13:57:56 GMT

"Composing Darkness" and "Simply Richard", with the fabulous and talented musical artist, my friend Richard Loewen. 8x10" black glass ambrotypes in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. Richard Loewen was one of the first people to ever trust my camera and chemicals. That will never be forgotten.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 11 seconds of exposure, natural light coming through Northern facing studio windows. Styling and composition assistance by Maggie Belle Herr.

“Composing Darkness”
Words to accompany my wet plate of Richard Loewen
Plate #2718
By Shane Balkowitsch
May 7th, 2018

I find myself alone, searching for the notes that will release me,

Nothing seems in order, why does this struggle continue,

Just me and my box of strings, I have no other choice,

This need to create is like no other, a longing that I cannot explain,

The drink gives me momentary relief, but even that soon fades into oblivion,

My flower, my beautiful flower has wilted under this pressure,

As everything in life, time will consume all, there is no escaping it,

I have no choice but to continue to compose the darkness around me.

For only when my music finds its way to me, will I be free.

"Justice for Judith" Wet Plate Collodion by Shane Balkowitsch

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 01 May 2018 17:26:08 GMT

“Justice for Judith”, with Ben Pace, Alexandria Knudson and Ali Horner, costume design and composition assistance by Maggie Belle Herr. Behind the scene digital images by Tom Wirtz.

8x10” black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 11 seconds of exposure with natural light through Northern facing window.

Shane Balkowitsch Family Captured in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 19:43:38 GMT

“The Balkowitsch Family”, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. My gang for life. It has taken me 2705 plates to get to this point over 5 years. Thanks to Troy Balzer for taking off the lens cap for our long family exposure.

8x10” black glass ambrotype, f4.5, Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, 12 seconds of exposure, all natural light through Northern facing studio windows.

Puddles the Clown Captured in Wet Plate Collodion Photography

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 18:53:37 GMT

"Pity Party" with Puddles the Clown, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. Taken at the Fargo Theatre in the green room before his performance on March 27th, 2018.

The world would be a better place if everyone followed his lead. We can all learn a lesson from this sad clown. We met as strangers and we left as friends. Thank you Puddles for trusting my chemicals and camera to your likeness.

8x10" black glass ambrotypes, Carl Zeiss Tessar 300 mm lens, f4.5, 10 seconds of exposure, continuous flourescent lights. We left the text reversed just as the plate appears in person. Puddles thought it was important to show respect to the special process and large format camera that made the images. I cannot argue with that, so it will remain backwards. Puddles is wise beyond his years.

http://www.puddlespityparty.com/

"If by chance some day you're not feeling well and you should remember some silly thing I've said or done and it brings back a smile to your face or a chuckle to your heart, then my purpose as your clown has been fulfilled." - Red Skelton

The Heard Museum, Acquiring Three Native American Wet Plates by Shane Balkowitsch

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 19:55:06 GMT

The Heard Museum, a world renowned Native American art collection in Arizona, is going to be acquiring three of my original plates into their permanent archive. http://heard.org/

My recent portrait of Ernie LaPointe, the Great Grandson of Sitting Bull, my portrait of Chief Arvol Looking Horse, 19th Generation Keeper of the Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle and my art piece "Death by Oil", featuring Darren Thompson.

They have requested some additional supporting information and items. I have been getting it all together over the past few months. They wanted prints of each of the plates as well as the original ambrotypes. I went above and beyond with the print of Ernie. I collaborated with my good friends Josh Withers and Herbert Ascherman Jr. to produce an original platinum print. Josh worked on my scan and produced an adequate negative on overhead projection film. Then Herb, a master printer in the historic platinum process, produced the most fabulous platinum print of my plate.

I have also collected numerous articles about "Death by Oil" that have been published. The original "Best Photograph" award at the North Dakota Human Rights and Arts Festival is also accompanying the plate. A signed copy of "Sitting Bull: His Life and Legacy" by Ernie LaPointe will be with the plate in their archive. They also request my Artist Statement as well as Biography. All of this supporting information will be documented and indexed eventually online.

http://cdm262401.cdmhost.com/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15086coll2/id/335

As an artist, it is a huge honor to be able to place works of art in different museums around the world. I consider this a privilege and its importance is never lost on me. Thank you everyone for your support. I also want to thank Mario Nick Klimiades and his staff at The Heard for thinking my work is worthy of this distinction.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/feb/22/standing-rock-is-everywhere-one-year-later

Meet Wet Plate Photography Shane Balkowitsch by On Portraits 1-18-2018

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 18:04:10 GMT

Very honored to have a story done about my work by On Portraits.

https://www.onportraits.com/shane-balkowitsch-interview/

Photomuse Museum in India to Curate Wet Plate of Natasha Joy Gourd "Different Star Woman"

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 16:30:12 GMT

I am very excited to announce that my original wet plate of Natasha Joy Gourd "Different Star Woman" by Shane Balkowitsch, a second plate from "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective" is going to be curated permanently by Photomuse in India. Photomuse is the only photography museum in India. It is a huge honor to have one of my pieces going to such a fabulous organization.

http://photomuse.in/

I want to thank Herb Herbert Ascherman Jr. for not only his friendship but for arranging this acquisition and placement of my original work. I also want to thank Dr. Unni Krishna Pulikkal the museum's founder and director.

PHOTOMUSE – The Museum of Photography is a national repository of photographic images that documents, preserves, interprets and promotes the natural, cultural and scientific inheritance of humanity through the medium of photography and photographic history while emphasizing India’s photographic legacy.

Through outreach and educational programs the museum emphasizes Indian and worldwide cultural, environmental preservation, and public education through photography. Nurturing a responsible generation with love for art, care for nature and respect for the humanity, using photography as an effective tool to instil such qualities, will be the ultimate goal of the Museum.

The Museum has an important duty to develop its educational role and attract wider audiences from the community, locality, or group it serves. Interaction with the constituent community and promotion of their natural and cultural heritage is an integral part of the educational role of the museum.

Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective Opening at BAGA

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 19:17:35 GMT

I awoke this morning with the most wonderful feeling. The friendship and kindness that I experienced last night at my opening was overwhelming. People keep asking to see more pictures, so here is just a few. Chad Nodland captured opening night with his digital camera. It was a good day for friendship, heritage and art. The director from the Bismarck Art and Galleries Association told me that the attendance on opening night broke any previous opening in the galleries 30 year history.

I was given two very special gifts on the day of my opening. The first gift was from Ernie LaPointe, the Great Grandson of Sitting Bull. I had taken a wet plate of him earlier in the day, the last plates at my old makeshift studio and he handed me his personal lance as a gift. I also received from Chairman Charles Murphy a handmade buffalo bone necklace with Italian trade beads that he made for me personally. I am very blessed to be on this creative path and my only goal is to make everyone proud who is involved in the series.

http://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Artist-uses-old-fashioned-photography-for-Native-American-collection-455186123.html

Ernie LaPointe the Great Grandson of Sitting Bull in Wet Plate

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 19:06:06 GMT

Ernie LaPointe, the Great Grandson of Sitting Bull, my dear friend captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. The plate with his drum is called “Oka Wicasa” which translates in Lakota as “Singer”. Native American drummers are called singers in their culture. These two plates represent the last plates that I will ever make in my original makeshift studio. Ernie is sitting in the same chair he did so many years ago when I took my first plate of a him. Ernie is where it all began for my “Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective” series.

8x10”’black glass ambrotypes, f4.5, Carl Zeiss Tessar 3 lens, 11 seconds of exposure, continuous fluorescent lights.

As of January 2018, the Heard Museum in Arizona, the world leader in Native American Art has requested the original plate "Singer" for their collection. Ernie and I are very proud of this request and the original black glass ambrotype will be donated to them on our behalf.

"Who Will Stop Us?" Michael Foster Keystone Pipeline Valve Turner

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 13:49:12 GMT

“Who Will Stop Us”, a Wet Plate of Michael Foster. Mr. Foster is the valve turner who shut down the Keystone Pipeline last year in Pembina County for 7 hours. This week he is facing upwards of 22 years imprisonment if found guilty.

The oil company calls him an eco-terrorist, some would call him a martyr. You can read his story by my friend Christopher Hagen.

http://hpr1.com/index.php/feature/news/bolt-cutters-and-chrysanthemums/

http://hpr1.com/index.php/feature/news/a-valve-turners-trial-mostly-guilty/

"Study of a Blacksmith's Downward Hammer Strike" in Wet Plate with Steve Schirber

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 18:42:49 GMT

"Study of a Blacksmith's Downward Hammer Strike", with Steve Schirber, in honor of Eadweard Muybridge.

8x10" black glass ambrotype a in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 12 seconds of exposure, continuous fluorescent lighting, NO flash.

Charles Recountre "Not Afraid to Look" DAPL Captured in Wet Plate

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 16:46:55 GMT

Charles Rencountre, "Medicine Horse", Kul Wicisa Oyate, for my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective". 8x10" black glass ambrotype in the historic process of pure silver on glass.

"Not Afraid to Look" is a large 8' tall cement sculpture that Charles created at Standing Rock during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests last year. Incidentally it is the only thing still standing at the Camp of the Sacred Stone. It was a true honor to have this important artist into my studio. He brought a maquette of the original work with him and it was important for us to feature it in his wet plate.

https://www.ecowatch.com/standing-rock-not-afraid-to-look-2107100951.html

August 21st, 2017 Solar Eclipse Captured in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 20:34:16 GMT

Solar Eclipse, August 21st, 2017 at 12:32pm, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. 7" round glass black ambrotype, f45, <1 second of exposure with manual lens cap, Carl Zeiss 360mm lens.

A solar eclipse is very significant in the Native American culture and is held with high regard. On August 7th, 1869 a total eclipse was well documented, below is the blog post of my friend Tonweya Tokaheya (Dakota Goodhouse).

http://thefirstscout.blogspot.com/2017/08/eclipse-is-time-for-prayer-and.html

"Honoring Sky Woman" with Margaret Landin in the Wet Plate Collodion Process

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 20:51:03 GMT

"Honoring Sky Woman" with my dear friend, liaison and collaborator for my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective". 7x7" square glass black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate collodion process.

http://dept.cs.williams.edu/~lindsey/myths/myths_12.html

http://www.native-languages.org/morelegends/sky-woman.htm

Anyone who creates in wet plate knows that clouds very rarely will appear in the process, but on this magical day, they made themselves known to both Margaret and I.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 250mm lens, f11, 2 seconds of exposure.

Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective Exhibition Nov. 3rd, 2017

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 20:26:24 GMT

I have spent the last two years of my life capturing my friends in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. The original plates are archived and curated by the Historical Society of North Dakota at the Heritage Center. This will be the first time all 120 of the plates will be on display. This is only the beginning, my longterm goal is to capture 1000 Native Americans in my beloved process, a 20 year commitment I will cherish.

http://sharoncol.balkowitsch.com/northernplains.htm

Please join us to celebrate a night of heritage and culture. Darren Thompson will be playing live flute music for the visitors.

Everyone is welcomed to join us. I want everyone to know that regalias and traditional dress is very much welcomed and appreciated the night of the opening. Friday November 3rd, 2017 from 5-7pm.

Thank you Gilbert Kills Plenty Enemy III and Rusty Gillette for making the official posters.

Nokota Wild Horses on The Dakota Plains Captured in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 15:08:09 GMT

I am so proud to share the entire series of plates from my "Wild Horses of the Dakota Plains", captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on black glass. These horses descend from the Theodore Roosevelt National Park with lineage back to the Native Americans from the Northern Plains.

I was accompanied by my friends Josh Withers, Victory Tischler-Blue, Mike LaLonde, John LaLonde, Tom Wirtz and of course my son Greyson. The time we shared on Saturday on the open prairie with the horses among us is something I will never forget. We started slow from afar but by the end of the day, my camera was in the herd and that transition can be seen in the work we did together. This was a team effort and I could never of achieved this by myself, so I am indebted to everyone involved. Josh Withers and Victory Tischler-Blue were instrumental in helping me make this possible. These beautiful animals are guarded and cared for by Frank and Leo Kuntz at their horse conservancy in Linton, North Dakota.

https://statemuseum.nd.gov/exhibits/horse/extend/nakota-horses

Victory Tischler-Blue created this black and white silent video of the horses:

NORTH DAKOTA from DESERT STUDIOS LLC on Vimeo.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm and 360mm lens, f11, 2 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotypes using my Alessandro Gibellini folding camera, behind the scene images courtesy of Tom Wirtz from Bismarck, North Dakota.

Myron Dewey from Digital Smoke Signals Captured in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 20:34:04 GMT

Myron Dewey, "Strong Thinker", Paiute Shoshone, for the series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective". 8x10" black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate collodion process.

I had the distinct honor of capturing in wet plate Myron Dewey, the filmmaker of "Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock", he is also the founder of Digital Smoke Signals.

www.digitalsmokesignals.com

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 10 seconds of exposure, continuous florescent lighting.

The Capsizing of Humanity - The Raft of the Medusa - A Wet Plate Collodion Collaboration

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 15:42:24 GMT

"The Capsizing of Humanity", June 17th, 2017, a wet plate collaboration eight months in the making. I based this work on the historic painting "The Raft of the Medusa" at the Louvre, one of the most horrific maritime events in history.

The Raft of the Medusa is an oil painting of 1818–1819 by the French Romantic painter and lithographer Théodore Géricault. Completed when the artist was 27, the work has become an icon of French Romanticism.

8x10" black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. The original plate will be curated by the Historical Society of North Dakota at the Heritage Center in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f8, 2 seconds of exposure.

Digital behind the scene images by Chad Nodland.

OFFICIAL LIST OF COLLABORATORS:

CASTAWAYS:
Lou Hafermehl
Noah Miller
Chad Balkowitsch
Richard Loewen
Tony Fladeland
Adam Steen
Kevin Tengesdal
Ben Pace
Adam Michal
Greyson Balkowitsch
Phillip Schultz
Brandon Wetch
John LaLonde
Morgan Drake
Abby Balkowitsch
(As Charlotte Picard)

SUPPORT STAFF:
Marek Dojs, Director
Mike LaLonde, Photography
Corey Carson, Photography
Moira McNichols, Make-up
Jason Lueder, Set Carpenter
James Lueder, Raft Carpenter
Melanie Kuntz Malsam, Make-up
Nolan Johnson, Videographer
John Sullivan IV, Wood Supply
Nika Ostby, Wet Plate Assist
Chad Nodland, Photography
Kim Olson, Set Assistant
Paul Noot, Artist of Water
Sabrina Hornung, Cyanotype Artist
Michele Oster Renner, Head of Sail
Linae Bieber, Head Costume
Nolan Johnson, Video
Andrea Heidrich, Hair
Angie Pember Brockey, Distress
Flag Designer
Dustin White, Writer & Poet
Chad Balkowitsch, Carpenter
Emily Brandt, Costume Assistant
Tom Wirtz. Assistant with Camera
Dan Miller, Fasting Collaborator
Nancy Willis, Water Assistant
Jeff Phillips, Set Assistant

We Dance for Those Who Cannot, Isabella Dawn Lebeau in Wet Plate

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 13:41:11 GMT

"We Dance for Those Who Cannot" the prayer of little Isabella Dawn Lebeau, Standing Rock Hunkpapa, her Native American name is "Sacred Meddlowlark Woman" and she is 10 years old.

Her Mother Dawn Wasin'Zi kept seeing Bella look at her shoes before dancing in her medicine or jingle dress. She asked her "What is the reason for the pause and looking down before dancing?" Bella said that she stares at her feet and says a prayer for her friend who is paralyzed and cannot dance himself. Dawn gave me permission to share this story and we used it for inspiration for this wet plate.

8x10" black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 10 seconds of exposure. Title courtesy of Margaret Landin.

Richard Orville Grey Day "Wolf Eyes Looking" Hunkpapa Dakota in Wet Plate

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 02 May 2017 19:55:55 GMT

Richard Orville Grey Day, "Wolf Eyes Looking", Hunkpapa Dakota Standing Rock, for my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective". The plate that captured his side profile will go to the permanent archive at the Historical Society of North Dakota and be part of the series. I thought this triptych of plates was worth sharing together.

http://sharoncol.balkowitsch.com/northernplains.htm

I want to thank Herbert Ascherman Jr., for without him, I never would have met Richard and taken his portrait. I also need to thank Dakota Goodhouse for taking time out of his day helping me locate Richard.

Carl Zeiss 300mm Tessar Lens, f4.5, 9 seconds of exposure, continuous florescent lighting, 8x10" black glass ambrotypes in the wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass.

Danielle Ta'Sheena Finn - Miss Indian World Captured in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 19:23:10 GMT

Danielle Ta'Sheena Finn, Miss Indian World 2016-2017, Hunkpapa Lakota / Inhanktowan Dakota, Standing Rock Sioux Nation, for my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective". She is the first lady from North Dakota to hold this prestigious crown. The plate with her crown will be the plate donated to the Historical Society of North Dakota.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 9 seconds of exposure, 8x10" black glass ambrotypes.

http://sharoncol.balkowitsch.com/northernplains.htm

Chief Arvol Wilfred Looking Horse - Keeper of Sacred Buffalo Calf Pipe in Wet Plate

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 20:40:18 GMT

Chief Arvol Wilfred Looking Horse "Sacred Horse", Lakota Sioux, in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. He is the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle. This plate will be permanently curated by the Historical Society of North Dakota at the Heritage Center in Bismarck for my series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective".

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/feb/22/standing-rock-is-everywhere-one-year-later

My little makeshift wet plate studio was blessed by his presence. He entered my studio as a stranger and he left a friend. Below is a link that explains the history and the story that surrounds this important piece of Native American history.

http://www.firstpeople.us/…/The_White_Buffalo_Calf_Pipe-Unk…

8x10" black glass ambrotype, Carl Zeiss 300mm lens, f4.5, 10 seconds on exposure with continuous florescent lighting. We made two significant plates from our time together, one went to the Historical Society of ND permanently and the second plate is being curated by the Heard Museum in Arizona. A huge honor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gFeXjCIVpQ

Father John Floberg Rector at the Saint James Episcopal Church in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 15:03:10 GMT

Father John Floberg, "Nape Wakan" which translates as "Holy Hand", Rector at the Saint James Episcopal Church at Cannon Ball, my new friend. He was an important spiritual figure during the turmoil at Standing Rock. This plate is being donated to the Historical Society of North Dakota in his honor. 8x10" black glass Ambrotypes in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. NO DAPL!

The Execution of Saint Sebastian in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 14:57:04 GMT

Saint Sebastian, Patron Saint of Athletes and Archers with Brandon L. Wetch. After being condemned by the Romans he was shot with arrows and left for dead. The story goes that he was saved by Irene of Rome (Kim Olson) who nurtured him back to health. Once healed he quickly returned to the Romans to prove to them that he had survived. So they clubbed him to death.

8x10" black glass Ambrotypes in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 10 seconds of exposure with continuous fluorescents lights.

"Kintsugi" with Rowyn Hjelle and her Scar from Adrenocortical Carcinoma in Wet Plate

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 14:05:42 GMT

"Kintsugi" with Rowyn Hjelle and Dan Miller. 5x7" black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate collodion process. This pure silver image will last hundreds and hundreds of years.

In her words -

"I had a large adrenocortical carcinoma removed from my left adrenal gland just four months before this image. Doctors worked for five and a half hours to remove the tumor, my left kidney, my left adrenal gland, and repaired the damage to my inferior vena cava.

This image is highlighting my surgical scar, it is a reminder of how powerful our bodies are. It's a reminder that sometimes the radiant, loving light is best shown through the cracks.

In Japan, there is a 500-year-old art called kintsugi where craftsmen repair broken pottery with gold. This is interwoven with the wabi-sabi philosophy of finding beauty in broken things. Instead of trying to cover the crack or seeing it as having lost value, they make it stronger, more beautiful, more valuable, by repairing with gold.

Embrace your scars! Wear them like a medal of strength and honor! You're even more beautiful with them! You're so beautiful! Love your body!"

"Tableau Vivant of the Condemned" Vampire Wet Plate Collodion Series

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 17:02:31 GMT

"Tableau Vivant of the Condemned" Dan Miller and Rowyn Hjelle, 8x10" black glass Ambrotypes in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. 10 seconds of exposure.

Brian Sorbo "My Eyes Have Seen Too Much" Dakota Access Pipeline NO DAPL!

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 16:53:53 GMT

"My Eyes Have Seen Too Much" with Brian Sorbo, 5x7" black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate collodion process. Brian has spent the last 3 months at Standing Rock documenting the Native American struggle with the Dakota Access Pipeline. He is originally from North Dakota and I am happy to now call him a friend. Brian is the CEO of Flickersound, Inc.

He is a visual effects expert from California and his work can be seen in Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars Episodes I & II and The Mummy Returns.

"The Son of God" with Mitch Miller in Wet Plate Collodion

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 20:14:20 GMT

A triptych of plates, "The Son of God", "Temptationis Oblitus" and "The Struggle for Favor", with Mitch Miller, Brianna Dick, Tessa Klein, Shawna Shea, Zmercedes Sunshine Beito with the direction by Dan Miller. We had an amazing and creative afternoon together. My goal was to take a traditional wet plate of Jesus Christ in a traditional sense to honor the old masters that came before me with painting and sculpture.

8x10" black glass ambrotypes in the historic wet plate collodion process of pure silver on glass. Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 10 seconds of exposure, continuous florescent daylight bulbs.

Donald Trump "POTUS Revealed" Wet Plate Collodion by Shane Balkowitsch

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 21:39:55 GMT

Trumps signed executive orders to approve the Keystone and Dakota Access Pipeline, on my birthday no less, January 24, 2017. Well this wet plate artist will not stand idly by without making an artistic statement. The shoot was immediately planned and the composition woke me from my sleep. It is an artist's responsibility to use his or her art for change. Kevin Tengesdal was very kind to model as our Commander in Chief in the spur of the moment.

"Art isn't for ovation but expression" per Kim Olson

My symbolism for the plate as described by Kevin himself -

Feather And Skull: Native American Oppression, Death of Native American Culture; Oil on Shirt: Destruction of Environment, Dirty Energy; American Flag: Zealous Patriotism; Money: Wall Street, Wealth Inequality; Tutu: Cancelling Arts & Culture; Mustache: Hitler, Totalitarianism; Crown: Self-Imposed Royalty, Privilege; Torn Leggings: Woman Issues, Men's Issues, LGBT Issues; Crotch: Grabbing America by the Balls, Grab Them By The Pussy; Necklace: Chains that Bind; Belly: Gluttony of America; Pinched Fingers: How Few Americans care.

"Tolerance by Oppression" with Sophie Landin in Wet Plate Collodion NO DAPL

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 15:29:48 GMT

"Tolerance by Oppression", Plate #3 in my No Dakota Access Pipeline Series. 8x10' black glass ambrotype in the wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. Sophie is holding so carefully her little glass of pure water.

http://www.cshagen.com/us-senator-calls-on-bia-to-clear-anti-dapl-camps/

"Death by Oil" with Darren Thompson in Wet Plate Collodion NO DAPL

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 22:01:29 GMT

"Death by Oil" with Darren Thompson, dedicated to the Dakota 38 and to my Native American friends who are trying to push back the Dakota Access Pipeline. I recently became aware of the historical fact that President Abraham Lincoln gave the order to execute 38 Native Americans a day after Christmas on December 26th, 1862 in Mankato Minnesota. To date, this is the largest mass execution ever performed in our nation's history.

It is important for us to know about the past so that we do not make the same mistakes or atrocities in the future.

I want to personally thank my new friend Darren for trusting my camera and lens with his likeness. It was by far the most emotional wet plate I have ever had the honor of making. Margaret Landin was also instrumental in helping behind the scenes making sure the Native American components were correct.

8x10" black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate collodion process, Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, f4.5, 10 seconds of exposure.

United Tribes Technical College Pow Wow 2016 in Wet Plate

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 20:52:57 GMT

"Empowerment Through Unity", United Tribes Technical College Pow Wow 2016. The entire crowd raised their right hand in support of all Native Americans everywhere.

8x10" black glass ambrotype in the historic wet plate collodion process. This plate will be archived by the Historical Society of North Dakota for all time.

"Love Water, Not Oil" with Dale American Horse, Jr. Dakota Access Pipeline

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 18:39:09 GMT

"Love Water, Not Oil" with Dale Benjamin American Horse Jr., 8x10" black glass ambrotype in the wet plate collodion process.

The Standing Rock Sioux nation along with the support of many other tribes is attempting to push back the Dakota Access Pipeline here in North Dakota. Dale has been in the forefront of the resistance and made national news last week for his efforts.

Dale explained to me that "Mni Wiconi" means "Water is Life" and those words ring so true.

http://www.democracynow.org/2016/9/1/headlines/nd_2_stop_dakota_access_construction_by_locking_bodies_to_machines

Dakota Access Pipeline Dispute by Standing Rock Native Americans, August 15th, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 15:11:27 GMT

"You Cannot Drink Oil", a chant that I heard many times while visiting my friends at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. I took on the role of biased photojournalist in an effort to show support for this cause. Their cause is just and these are not protestors but protectors, please give them your support.

http://www.inforum.com/news/4095792-documenting-nd-pipeline-protests-time-machine-tech?utm_source=Facebook_Inforum&utm_medium=SocialPost

http://www.cshagen.com/water-and-oil-do-not-mix/

Orlando Scott Goff Featured in North Dakota History Journal, August 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 15:00:05 GMT

August 9th, 2016

RE: Orlando Scott Goff, “North Dakota History: Journal of the Northern Plains”, Summer 2016

Dear Friends,

I am very excited to finally be able to share this copy of the journal with the world. Two years ago I started on the dream of bringing to light the almost forgotten wet plate artist Orlando Scott Goff. You see Orlando practiced wet plating in the Dakota’s before me and I am honored not only to bring attention to his work but also to follow in his footsteps. The moment that I saw his plates at Fort Abraham Lincoln and put my eyes upon his portrait of Sitting Bull, I knew I wanted to do something special in his memory.

I have to thank my good friend Lou Hafermehl the local historian for believing in this project. If it was not for his research and eloquent words, this would not have been possible. I also want to thank Pam Berreth Smokey the Editor for believing our document on Goff was significant enough to dedicate the entire journal to our vision.

I have always felt that history is very important. Without knowing where we have been, how do we gauge where we are going?

I hope you enjoy this fabulous and historic document about a man that came many decades before my time. I can only hope that someday someone would do the same for my wet plate name, work and legacy.

The Grand River at Sitting Bulls's Cabin with Ernie LaPointe, July 9th, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:54:54 GMT

"The Grand River at Sitting Bull's Cabin" (Tataka Lyotake) with Ernie LaPointe, his Great Grandson. This is less than 200 yards from the site of where the great chief was murdered. Sitting Bull would have drawn water from here. He was killed on December 15th, 1890 and the importance and tragedy of this place is palpable.

5"x7" black glass ambrotype in the wet plate collodion process from 1848, silver on glass, this is my first ever landscape.

The Fourth of July 2016 Balkowitsch Fireworks in Wet Plate

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 20:26:52 GMT

I have wanted to for some years to try and capture our family fireworks finale when we celebrate Independence Day. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. So I took my wet plate camera, gear and chemicals and had only one shot. After checking the ground glass numerous times and making an educated guess of 45 seconds for the exposure, we were so happy with the results.

Clay Jenkinson Captured in the Historic Wet Plate Process, July 1st, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 20:22:15 GMT

I was truly honored to share my beloved wet plate collodion process with historian Clay Jenkinson. We took a moment to capture his portrait. It was very interesting to get his historical perspective and insight. We plan on collaborating in the future on different projects.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clay_S._Jenkinson

Murderer's Gulch Wet Plate Collaboration, June 11th, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 18:41:57 GMT

I am so very proud to be a part of the wet plate collaboration that took place is an alley in downtown Bismarck on June 11th, 2016. City of Bismarck gave us permission to take over the alley. Six months of planning with many collaborators and a budget of $0.00 dollars. The final 8x10" black glass ambrotype is being curated by the Historical Society of North Dakota indefinitely. This was most rewarding and creative experience of my wet plate career. I need to say a special thanks to Marek Djos from the University of Mary for taking on the role as the director. Without his talent, vision and wisdom, we would have been lost in that deadly alley.

Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, Shane Balkowitsch

Director -
Marek Dojs

Soiled Doves -
Bonnie Balkowitsch (the Madame)
Farren Nelson
Jordan Rae Mulder
Andrea Anderson Haman
Megan Frankl
Amy 'Sally Stitches' Hendrickson

Murderers -
Kevin R Tengesdal
Richard Loewen
Rob Sandness
Derek Harper
Jerome Hathaway
John Sullivan IV
Brandon L. Wetch
Pat Toepke
Monte Faul

Drunk Lady -
Emily Brandt

Homeless Boy -
Greyson Balkowitsch

Travelers -
Corey Bloom and Eve

Stray Dog -
Banjo, owner Jessie Lanae Leben

Support Staff -
Mike LaLonde (Photography)
Jerry Anderson (Photography Consultant)
Dustin White (Writer)
Moira McNichols (Make-up)
DeAnne Billings (Seamstress and Wardrobe)
Nolan Johnson (Videographer)
Jessie Lanae Leben (Assistant and Animal Control)
Brad Slaubaugh (Photography) provided by Jack Glasser (ABOVE DIGITAL IMAGES)
Lori Sager (Costumes)
Jason Lueder (Set Carpenter)
Beth Nodland (Local Historian)
John Sullivan IV (Set Master)
Gregory Joel Frank (Wet Plate Apprentice)
Marshall Lipp (Photography)

SUPPORTERS / CONTACTS:
Bismarck Historical Society, Mike LaLonde and Walt Bailey
State Historical Society of ND, Emily Ergan & Lindsay Schott
Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative (BDAC), Paul Noot
Dakota West Art Council, Eileen Walsh
Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, Aaron Barth
City of Bismarck, Mike Seminary and Mike Berg
Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation, David Borlaug

Tigirlily - Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh in Wet Plate Collodion, May 1st, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 03 May 2016 16:13:30 GMT

Tigirlily, captured in the historic wet plate collodion process of silver on glass. Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh were born and raised in North Dakota. They are the new faces of music in our state.

I just received confirmation from the Historical Society of North Dakota that they want the plate of them with the guitar for their permanent archive. The ladies are going to be so very excited for this honor.

www.tigirlily.com

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tigirlily/id594352631

Behind the scene images by Corey Carson from Elevate Studios, http://www.imelevate.com/

Monte Yellow Bird, "Black Pinto Horse" in Wet Plate, April 12th, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 16:15:04 GMT

Monte Yellow Bird, Sr. "Black Pinto Horse", Arikara Hidatsa, in the wet plate collodion process. Plate #11 for the series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective" for the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Monte is a celebrated artist. In 2012 he did this ledger art depicting a 19th century photographer taking a couples plate, it is called "Watch the Birdie". I now have a print in my studio.

Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, 8x10" black glass ambrotype, 11 second exposure.

Harold Bach, World War II Veteran in Wet Plate, April 1, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 15:01:41 GMT

Corporal Harold Bach, World War II Veteran, 791st Quartermasters Trucking Company, he is 96 years old and is the last living survivor of his company of 100 soldiers. The glass plate is being accepted by the Historical Society of North Dakota into their permanent archive. A copy of Harold's memoirs "Memories of the Depression, World War II, and Happier Years" will also accompany the plate. 8x10" black glass ambrotype in the wet plate collodion process. Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm lens, 12 second exposure. It is an honor to capture this portrait for his family.

We must all realize that we are losing 550 World War II veterans a day and we must thank them and cherish them while they are still with us.

Harold BachHarold Bach Harold BachHarold Bach

Dave Archambault II and Frank White Bull in Wet Plate, March 23rd, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 17:13:05 GMT

My series "Northern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective" for the Historical Society of North Dakota is well on its way. The goal is to capture 50 large black glass ambrotypes of different tribal members from all over the state. Yesterday I had the honor of having Dave Archambault II the Tribal Chairman for the Standing Rock Sioux and his friend Frank White Bull, a fabulous local photographer. We only had an hour together in studio but in that time we were able to capture two wet plates for the Heritage Center.

http://standingrock.org/

Kevin Locke, "First to Arise" Captured in Wet Plate Collodion, February 23rd, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:08:11 GMT

I am very honored to be able to capture Kevin Locke, a world renowned Native American flute player in my beloved wet plate process. He has traveled all over the world and give lectures and talks about his people and their way of life. This plate is going to be included in my new series "Dakota Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective" being curated by the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

http://www.newsadvance.com/the_burg/features/cover_story/native-american-artist-kevin-locke-bringing-traditional-dance-storytelling-to/article_5e912225-e8d8-5de9-a75c-e87401b97c16.html

Scott Davis, Commisioner of North Dakota Indian Affairs in Wet Plate, February 16th, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 19:52:01 GMT

I am presently working with the State Historical Society of North Dakota to produce 50 black glass ambrotypes of Native Americans from around the state. Scott Davis, Sr. is the Commissioner of North Dakota Indian Affairs and I had the privilege of showing him the process first hand. He is presently working on the Native American Hall of Honor for North Dakota. I am very proud to be collaborating with the Historical Society and Mr. Davis on this very special project. https://vimeo.com/155040368

Tonweya Tokaheya (Dakota Goodhouse) - Native American Indian Wet Plate, January 31st, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 17:37:07 GMT

Tonweya Tokaheya (Dakota Goodhouse) in the wet plate collodion process. These are the first plates of a series I am working on for the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Our goal is to capture important Native American tribal members and elders from around the state. One plate from each sitting will go into their permanent archive. Dakota and I have decided that the 8x10" black glass ambrotype of him with the buffalo hide will be donated to the state in his honor.

I cannot explain how honored I am to be a part of such a very important endeavor.

5x7 and 8x10 clear and black glass ambrotypes, Carl Zeiss Tessar 300mm and 360mm lenses, 10 second exposures in Archer's process.

"Amber of the Priory" with Amber Sams, January 22nd, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 20:33:15 GMT

I had the distinct pleasure of having Amber Sams revisit my wet plate studio. I received a nun's habit from Lori Sager and we were anxious to give this garment a try in wet plate. Lori was on-hand to help with styling as well. We decided to call the work "Amber of the Priory".

The Native American Deer Woman in Wet Plate Collodion, January 15th, 2016

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 16:24:28 GMT

"The Deer Woman"

Inspired by folklore from the Native American culture of the Pacific Northwest. A rewarding collaboration with aspiring make-up artist Kyla Meadows and her muse and friend Alex Allen.

The Deer WomanThe Deer Woman The Deer WomanThe Deer Woman

Mike Seminary, Mayor of Bismarck, North Dakota, December 10th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 18:29:01 GMT

It was an honor to have my friend Mike Seminary in my studio to capture an image of him for the State Historical Society of North Dakota. We made two 8x10" black glass ambrotypes. The one with his beloved harmonica will go to the Heritage Center.

www.mikeseminary.com

"Inevitable Loss" with Jessie Leben, A Collaboration, December 8th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 19:42:33 GMT

I was very honored to have the students from the University of Mary out to my humble wet plate studio last night. We collaborated on a piece that we have titled "Inevitable Loss". Marek Djos and his students were more than enthusiastic and everyone had a say in the final composition and lighting. As always, it was a pleasure to have the very talented Jessie Leben as our muse for this conceptual shot. She also designed the outfit that was used. I look forward to continuing to work with the students and the college in the coming years. The final plate is an 8x10" black glass ambrotype using ad Carl Zeiss 300mm lens and my Alessandro Gibellini Made in Italy studio camera.

Kat Perkins in Wet Plate Collodion for the First Time, November 30th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 21:05:17 GMT

The one and only Kat Perkins visited my wet plate studio today for a couple of hours. She was raised here in North Dakota and was a contestant on the 6th season of "The Voice". She is holding a concert tonight at the Belle Mehus which we will be attending. This shoot was a year and a half in the making and the main goal was to get one 8x10" black glass ambrotype for the North Dakota Historical Society. She fell in love with the process and we all had a wonderful time creating together. A big thanks to Corey Carson from Elevate Studios (www.imelevate.com) for taking the behind the scene images of our shoot. His eye behind the ground glass is also greatly appreciated. The plate with her holding the microphone will be going to the permanent archive of the State Historical Society of North Dakota at the Heritage Center here in Bismarck.

www.katperkinsmusic.com

Monsignor James P. Shea, University of Mary, Captured in Wet Plate, October 19th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 21:48:46 GMT

I had the true honor of capturing our very own Monsignor Shea from the University of Mary in the wet plate collodion process. The main goal for the shoot was to have one of the plates make its way to the archive at the Historical Society of North Dakota. We made good on that goal. On October 29th, the Heritage Center took possession of the plate entitled simply "Monsignor", a black 8x10" ambrotype. We made four plates total that day, one for the Historical Society, one for Monsignor's personal collection, one for my collection and one was donated to the faculty and students of his beloved college.

"Rocket Boy" with Greyson Balkowitsch, October 9th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 20:16:24 GMT

I had the idea for some months about sending my son Greyson, who is 10 years old, into the stratosphere. I was able to find a generous and talented metal sculpture artist by the name of Ed Kidera in Maryland. I made a phone call and proposed a collaboration. He was so kind to agree to send me one of his metal sculpture jetpacks on loan for the shoot. The jetpack arrived and we got our other props together and we were ready for the launch. This was the first time that I have ever used live fireworks during an exposure as well. The entire afternoon was rather magical. The jetpack was very heavy and uncomfortable, but Greyson was a professional and did his best and never complained once, even thought it was obvious he was struggling. The most important thing about this collaboration is the time that I got to spend with my boy in studio. Hopefully some day he will think back and say "I remember the day I was able to fly in my Father's studio".

http://www.kiderafineart.com/ed/

Greyson Balkowitsch Greyson Balkowitsch Greyson Balkowitsch

"An Early Morning Row" with Lou Hafermehl at McDowell Dam, August 29th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 20:02:28 GMT

I have known Lou Hafermehl for 17 years now. We met on a golf course when the clubhouse paired us up for a round together. He has been like a father figure to me. About 18 months ago he took on the challenge of making his own wooden row boat, by hand. He spent hundreds and hundreds of hours assembling this boat, many of which were in my back warehouse during the long winter. I told him from the start, as soon as it is finished, I want to shoot you and your boat in wet plate, and today was the day. We went out to McDowell Dam just East of Bismarck and after taking laps around the lake took some plates. How I adore this gentleman. The name of his boat is "Eyes of Lila" named after a plant that he saw in India years ago.

The State Historical Society of North Dakota will be accepting this original glass plate into their permanent archive. What an honor.

David Borlaug from Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation, August 21st, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 20:00:48 GMT

I had the distinct pleasure of taking a wet plate portrait of a gentleman by the name of David Borlaug. He is the President of the Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation. They have plans to have some wet plate assignment work for me in the near future. 5x7 clear glass ambrotype in Archer's process.

http://www.fortmandan.com/

"The Drowning of Shakespeare's Ophelia" with Jessie Leben, July 22nd 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:22:20 GMT

Ophelia is a tragic figure of William Shakespeare, the fiancé to Hamlet. She is driven to insanity and ends her life by drowning. Of all the pivotal characters in Hamlet, Ophelia is the most static and one-dimensional. She has the potential to become a tragic heroine -- to overcome the adversities inflicted upon her -- but she instead crumbles into insanity, becoming merely tragic.

It was a large undertaking bringing a body of water into the studio for this conceptual shoot. I was fortunate enough to have the talented Jessie Leben in my studio again to help me pull this off. She had to endure the water for nearly 4 hours while we captured her image on silver and glass.

"Departure on the Plains" at Fort Abraham Lincoln, July 12th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 18:07:04 GMT

"Departure on the Plains" is an idea that I have had for a while of a damsel laying in the tall grass on the plains. This was shot at Fort Abraham Lincoln, near Mandan, North Dakota. Elizabeth Schuh agreed to be my muse. I was on hand to see the hanging of one of my original glass ambrotypes on the wall of Custer House. It will hang there forever amongst the history of that place.

North Dakota State Capitol Building first time in Wet Plate, July 3rd, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 20:39:28 GMT

I had the pleasure of capturing the historic and iconic North Dakota State Capitol Building here in Bismarck, ND. I was born and raised in Bismarck and have driven by this building thousands of times. I wanted to capture something different, something not seen before. This is the first time this building has even been photographed in my beloved process.

Behind the scene digital images courtesy of Corey Carson from Elevate Studios, Bismarck.

Amber Sams Immortalized in Wet Plate, May 29th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 30 May 2015 20:50:23 GMT

Very fortunate to have the company of Amber Sams in my studio today.

Julia Margaret Cameron Honored with Wet Plate of The Kiss of Peace, May 27th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 28 May 2015 16:31:54 GMT

"The Kiss of Peace" by Julia Margaret Cameron was taken in 1869, ten years before her death. I have always found her images to be moving and graceful. In my own way of paying respect and honor to her work, I attempted my own images inspired by her formidable photograph.

https://analyzing19thcentury.wordpress.com/2013/04/29/the-kiss-of-peace/

The Bank of North Dakota Captured in Wet Plate for the State Archive, May 20th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 28 May 2015 16:28:29 GMT

I am very honored to have captured the Bank of North Dakota for the State Historical Society of North Dakota in wet plate. It is important that we remember that in present day we are making history and that 150 years from now this image may be historically significant. One plate is going to the State Archives and I am donating another glass plate to the citizens of North Dakota to be displayed at the bank.

My Beautiful Wife Captured in the beloved Wet Plate Collodion Process, May 9th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 12 May 2015 15:56:34 GMT

I had the wonderful pleasure of spending some personal time with my wife Bonnie in my studio. She is the Mother of our four children and my best friend. I am very lucky to have her.

The Quite Delightful Project in the United Kingdom, run by women, for women have featured Bonnie's plate,

http://www.theenglishgroup.co.uk/blog/2015/05/21/bonnie/

Brittney Olsen and her 1923 Harley Davidson "J" Model Bike in Wet Plate, May 6th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:34:11 GMT

I had the huge pleasure of capturing Brittney Olsen and her 1923 Harley Davidson "J" Model dirt track bike in the wet plate collodion process. She has wanted to accomplish this for years and today was the day. We he a common friend in Paul d'Orleans from The Vintagent, he is the man who is responsible for introducing me to the collodion process in the first place.

Barkeep by the name of Blaze Montana, May 1st, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 02 May 2015 01:47:21 GMT

Blaze Montana is a very skilled and seasoned bartender. He fell in love instantly with the process. He presently works at The Luft, in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Our Daughter Alyvia, Her First Wet Plate, May 1st, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 02 May 2015 01:44:05 GMT

Alyvia has been asking for months to have her wet plate portrait taken. She just turned 4 years old, so she has been practicing holding still. I gave us an advantage by taking her portrait in full daylight outdoors, shaving 8 seconds off the exposure time. She did an amazing job and this has instantly become one of my favorite plates of all time.

Karl Schroeder and his Wet Plate Collodion Session, April 24th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 01:20:18 GMT

I had the pleasure of having Karl in my studio today. We made a total of five plates, and one plate for my new Supernatural Silver series.

Claus Lembke Inducted as North Dakota Hero, April 9th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 19:23:26 GMT

I had the pleasure of capturing Claus Lembke in the wet plate collodion process. The below plate with him in the suit will be inducted into the permanent archive at the State Historical Society of North Dakota. He is an immigrant that came to North Dakota over 50 years ago and has made a huge impact in this community. I was honored to take his portrait on behalf of the residents of North Dakota.

Corey Loren Carson from Elevate Studios, April 3rd, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 04:15:49 GMT

I had the distinct pleasure of having fellow photographer Corey Carson from Elevate Studio in my wet plate studios today. His photography work is beautiful and unique.

http://www.imelevate.com/

Rachel Marie Handeland, April 3rd, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 03:45:46 GMT

I had the pleasure of having Rachel in my studio today. We had many ideas and inspirations for our time together.

Sabrina Hornung in Wet Plate Collodion, March 20th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 19:11:39 GMT

I had the pleasure of having Sabrina Horlung out to my studio. She is a fellow alternate process artist that specializes with cyanotypes. We had a wonderful afternoon collaborating and sharing. Medusa even paid us a visit with her venomous tongued snakes.

Sabrina Hornung in Wet Plate Sabrina Hornung in Wet Plate

Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield, Captured for First time in Wet Plate, February 28th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:10:27 GMT

I had the honor of having 4-Time World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and legend Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield in my wet plate studio today. He has had millions and millions of images taken of him over his storied career but never a wet plate. The five glass ambrotypes that I took of the Champ will last for a thousands years, something that cannot be said about any other image taken of him. I only had him with me for an hour and I tried to make the best of it. I was trying to capture the man, and only the man in an iconic way. He talked intimately about his philosophy of fighting and about his legacy. It was a true honor as a boxing fan to be given this opportunity.

http://petapixel.com/2015/03/05/immortalizing-evander-the-real-deal-holyfield-with-a-wet-plate-portrait/

Virgil Hill "Quicksilver" Wet Plate Series to Celebrate Final Fight and Career, February 20th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 23:00:18 GMT

Virgil Eugene Hill "Quicksilver" captured in silver on glass in the wet plate collodion process. A Silver medalist in the 1984 Olympics and five time World Champion. He has his final bout this coming Saturday and I am so proud to have captured these images to commemorate his historic career. The State Historical Society of North Dakota has requested a glass plate for their permanent archive as well. Virgil and I will hand deliver it to them this coming week before his final fight. This man is a champ and gentleman inside and outside of the ring and he said to me before he left "we are now family".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgil_Hill

The Killing of the Seven Sons of Niobe, February 7th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 19:48:10 GMT

"The Killing of the Seven Sons of Niobe" wet plate. This tale dates back to the Iliad over 3000 years ago. Niobe lost all 14 of her children to arrows sent by the deities Artemis and Apollo. 8x10 clear glass ambrotype. Backdrop handpainted by Paul Noot. Months of work and thought coming together in 10 seconds of exposure.

Mt. Sipylus (Niobe's rock) looks like a woman crying and is said to be Niobe crying over the loss of her 14 children. In Turkey, this rock continues to weep with the tears of Niobe. The story dates back to Homer and the Iliad, 760–710 BC.

Complete Group of Strangers Visit my Studio, January 23rd, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 20:16:38 GMT

I had the pleasure of having a young couple out to my studio, and I had another sitter scheduled as well. I had never met any of these sitters before and we had just a wonderful time together. It was if we were old friends, we were able to make 10 plates over 3 hours which is very had to do. We all collaborated and worked together to make the best images that we can. A big thank you to Witty, Andy and Julia.

sa482

My 1000th Wet Plate, Mike LaLonde, January 9th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 22:03:07 GMT

On October 4th, 2012 I made my very first wet plate. I have known for some time that my 1000th wet plate was approaching, a milestone in my mind. I knew that I wanted to try and do something special. It just turned out that my good friend and one of the largest supporters of my studio Mike LaLonde was on hand at BAGA during my demonstration. I knew immediately that his portrait would be perfect to commemorate the special occasion. Mike has done so many things for me on this journey, there are too plentiful to mention. He has been a photographer for decades and his Father was a photographer for decades before him. Wet plate has brought us together and his continued support is such a blessing. I adore this man and everything that he stands for not only in photography, but life. So this plate is for you Mike, with any luck there will be thousands more.

Mike Lalonde, My 1000th Wet Plate

Megan Keniston, January 9th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:40:09 GMT

Had the pleasure of having a local college student into the studio for a wet plate shoot.

North Dakota State Historical Society Indexes "Eternal Field", January 5th, 2015

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 01:27:19 GMT

I have just been formally notified that my wet plate "Eternal Field" of Ernie LaPointe, Great Grandson of Chief Sitting Bull, is now archived on the North Dakota State Historical Societies website. They are in possession of the original 8x10" black glass ambrotype and it is part of their permanent collection. Now they have indexed it online for future generations. I cannot describe the joy that this brings me. Thank you each and every one of you who have supported my journey in collodion, you know who you are. To think that my great great grandchildren can go to Heritage Center many years from now and request to see my original work is beyond my wildest dreams.

http://digitalhorizonsonline.org/…/collec…/uw-ndshs/id/13249

Mike Seminary, Major of Bismarck in Studio, December 19th, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 03:46:02 GMT

I had the pleasure and honor of having the Mayor of Bismarck in my wet plate studio today. He was very interested in the process and we spent 3 hours together. I tried to capture a side of him that he was not accustomed to seeing.

http://mikeseminary.com/

Samuel Hayes, the Musician, December 12th, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 02:28:53 GMT

Jack came to my studio on his daughter's request knowing nothing about the process. He has a real appreciation for history and quickly realized what was needed from him to get the best plates possible. One of the plates we made may even make it on the front cover of his next music album.

Jack Hayes, Musician

Stranger Asking for Directions, Impromptu Wet Plate Session, December 12th, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 02:25:18 GMT

Jeff happened to walk into my office asking directions. Within 5 minutes he was in a head brace having his plate taken in my makeshift studio. He was so appreciative of the experience and vows to come back for a more formal session.

Jack Glasser from Glasser Images in Studio, Decemeber 5th, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 20:34:23 GMT

I had the pleasure of showing Jack Glasser the wet plate collodion process for the first time. www.glasserimages.com

Mark Halvorson from State Historical Society of North Dakota, November 28th, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 20:31:16 GMT

Mark is one of the lead archivists for the State Historical Society of North Dakota. He is very familiar with the wet plate collodion process but had never seen one created in person. We rectified that today.

Kevin Tengesdal "The Wolfman", November 28th, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 20:21:41 GMT

I had the pleasure of once again shooting my friend Kevin on Friday. He is the perfect subject and has the mechanics and patience of being a professional wet plate sitter down perfectly.

Frank Berdini, the 2014 Bismarck's Best Beard Champion, November 21st, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 20:21:14 GMT

Frank Berdini is the reigning champion of the Bismarck's Best Beard Contest held by the Luft.

Bismarck State College Art Students Visit, November 6th, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 18:42:52 GMT

I had the great pleasure of having David Lewellyn's art class from Bismarck State College out to my wet plate studio. We collaborated on 10 plates together and they assisted me with composition, lighting, backdrops and wardrobe. We had a great afternoon together.

Sally Stitches in Studio for Halloween, October 31st, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:44:32 GMT

I had the pleasure of having the very talented Sally Stitches in studio for Halloween.

"From The Shards", Accident turns to Inspiration, October 24, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 14:54:55 GMT

The first time in over 900 wet plates, I accidently dropped two of my 8x10 glass ambrotypes to the floor. The wood plate holder they were resting in fell apart in my hands within minutes of the plates drying. They fell from three feet and shattered into a million pieces, except for this very fortunate shard, somehow amongst the rubble, this piece of glass endured, as if it was meant to be.

I took this as a sign of fate and the plate will be finished and framed in its imperfect and broken state. I call the plate "From the Shards" and I have to admit that there is an intrinsic value to this piece of glass and silver that could never be obtained from the intact whole plate. It is beyond belief how this piece survived when none of the other pieces are so small and unrecognizable. I am so happy for this most unfortunate accident.

Bismarck State College Art Class in Studio Visit, October 22nd, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 16:43:48 GMT

I had the sincere pleasure of sharing the wet plate process with a group of art students from Bismarck State College, the class of Barb Thorsen. We had a great time sharing and collaborating together. They were so excited for the process, some of the students stayed an hour after class time so that more plates could be made.

Karly Goldade

Wet Plating a Family Affair, Abby and Greyson in Studio, October 17th, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 19:46:18 GMT

Very happy to have our two eldest children in studio today. Abby is 11 and Greyson is 9. They both have been around the wet plate process since I started and they both assisted me with the stopwatch, lighting and composition. Here are some of the plates we made together. We even had time to make a Halloween inspired plate of Abby. How I adore them.

Greyson Balkowitsch, 10-17-2014 Greyson Balkowitsch, 10-17-2014

NDSU Campus News Video of Wet Plate Collodion Demonstration, Sept. 11th, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 17:26:44 GMT

Campus News at NDSU did a short little story about my visit to the college. I had such a wonderful afternoon sharing with the faculty and students the wet plate process. I want to personally thank Rick Abbott and Jerrod Schumacher for shooting and putting this video together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfChlBCf7Jw

"Head in the Clouds", a Simple Handmade Prop, Oct. 7th, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 14:02:03 GMT

I have had the idea for some time to bring a cloud into Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio. I created this storm cloud with a Japanese lantern, wool and an internal light fixture. We were so excited to see it take life in studio, we had to do a quick wet plate test shot of my brother Chad.

Celebrating 2 Years of Wet Plating, Oct. 4th, 2012

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 19:35:34 GMT

Two years ago today, Oct. 4th, 2012, I took my very first wet plate image, a portrait of my brother. We have made a commitment to take a portrait on every anniversary of that date. It is rewarding to see the progression of my work and to also document my brother each year as he ages in silver on glass. A big thank you to everyone who has supported me on this creative journey.

2012

2013

2014 Chad Balkowitsch, 10-4-2014

"Eternal Field" Admitted to Permanent Archives at State Historical Society, October 2nd, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 00:47:00 GMT

I am so honored to have my wet plate of Ernie LaPointe called "Eternal Field" accepted into the permanent archives of the North Dakota State Historical Society at the Heritage Center here in Bismarck. The plate will be taken care of for many generations to come. As a wet plate collodion artist, there is no greater validation.

The plate of Ernie is 8x10" in size and on black glass. Ernie heard about the induction and made a special trip up to Bismarck to be on hand to give the plate to the curators.

http://sharoncol.balkowitsch.com/lapointe.htm

Living Masterpieces 2014, Captured in Wet Plate Collodion, September 27th, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 15:39:00 GMT

I was very excited to be a guest artist at Living Masterpieces, Art that Breathes, 2014. I was able to capture 9 of the 18 scenes in wet plate collodion. We had a great time demonstrating and all 9 plates are going to be a gift to the person or persons in the scenes. To see the complete work and compare with the original work of art, click below:

http://sharoncol.balkowitsch.com/livingmasterpieces.htm

Ernie LaPointe Great Grandson of Chief Sitting Bull Wet Plate, September 6th, 2014

(Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio) — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 00:47:00 GMT

In 1881, Orlando Goff took the very first wet plate of Chief Sitting Bull here in Bismarck, North Dakota. 133 years later, I had to pleasure to take a wet plate image of his Great Grandson Ernie LaPointe. My 8x10 black glass wet plate of Ernie entitled "Eternal Field" has been accepted into the North Dakota Historical Society Archives indefinitely and will be protected and shared for generations to come.

http://sharoncol.balkowitsch.com/lapointe.htm