Shane Balkowitsch and The Order of the Pith

Shane is a friend via The Collodion Bastards Facebook group. He’d mentioned a while back that he was coming to the UK on business for a couple of days. I suggested that if he makes his way anywhere near Manchester that he should call into the studio. I assumed his meetings were in London but they turned out to be in Blackburn of all places! So I got the ball rolling.

Last Friday saw several UK wet platers coming to my studio to meet up with Shane to say hello, shoot some plates, a few beers and a bite to eat.
For some reason Shane brought along a quintessential item of clothing every Brit has in his wardrobe…. A pith helmet?!?!
I’ll never forget the look of him walking through Ancoats to the Mill with his Pith on. It soon featured as the main prop of the evening…

Before too much beer was consumed Shane treated us all to fish and chips from the local chippy, I insisted he tried the steamed suet pudding. Mmmm

A “test” plate by Michael…

Mike was first up, now I’m not sure what the deal was, but alcohol was being consumed and there was limited nudity?? Mind you this was very early on…

Michael doing his best “Rutger Hauer” impression…

Nikki and Mina.

Casey, and we’d have him no other way.

Hmmm lets think about this one…..

Marizu.

Gordon setting up Mina and John.

“The Thinker” turned out more like “The Drinker”.

John.

Shane.

Mike.

Me.

Mark.

Michael.

Marky Mask even showed up…

I think it was about midnight when we went big… Breaking in the Hunter Penrose with 12×15 inch plates.

Go Shane.

Hmmm…. remember to put the plate in horizontally as theres only so much silver in the bath. Doh. I link the fringe effect though.

Mark.

Me.

John. This ones over exposed and will make a much better negative. Prints to follow…

Shane.

Gordon.

It had also recently been my Birthday and Shane surprised me with one of his nickel etched creations. I was delighted, it now has pride of place in the studio.

I could have written soooo much more but I cant really remember. lol, no seriously, I do remember us putting away the Kcn and swapping it for Hypo, probably a very wise move. So from 2 pm to 2am we shot a load of plates, drank and ate to excess, and had a thoroughly good time. It was great meeting you Shane and thanks everyone for coming along. Lets do it again…. soon!