Q&A with Clay Lipsky

As these spring days get warmer and warmer, I'm ready to feel the sands between my toes. Until that's possible, the Lipsky Ten takes me there in my mind. You all know I'm a fan of instant film as well.

Beach scenes + instant film = love.

What's the attraction to Impossible film?

It is unstable, unpredictable, frustrating, expensive, limiting, challenging and totally awesome. I love the instant format in general because of the immediate gratification you get combined with the "surprises" of analogue film. The Impossible Project film has a dreamy quality to it that is different than traditional Polaroid films. It is not trying to replicate reality but instead is augmenting it. For me, it is a path of least resistance to making transcedent photo art and as an added bonus I get to use classic, vintage cameras... No iPhone app or computer required.

Any tricks of the trade for instant film lovers?

Shield the film from light immediately as it's being ejected and scan it in your computer once it's properly developed. Also, don't get too attached to the negative - it most likely will not be visible in a year's time I'm guessing. The Impossible Project is a work in progress, and the film keeps getting better and more stable.

Favorite beach activity besides photographing?

As cheey as this sounds, I like long walks on the beach. People watching is good too, and if possible, enjoying an adult beverage with toes in the sand (tiny umbrella optional).

Why are you a photographer?

I am a lazy painter.

Favorite camera to shoot with?

Hasselblad X-pan, it's a 35mm panoramic film camera that can make most anything look cinematic.

If you weren't making art, what would you be doing?

Sleeping, eating, drinking coffee, wandering aimlessly.

Motto?

"Photography is not a crime" and "Buy a camera, you're a photographer. Buy a piano, you own a piano."

Who or what inspires you?

Inspiration surrounds me. It could be natural beauty (via landscapes or the female form), urban decay, good lighting or music.

Any new projects you want to tell us about?

Within the last 6 months I've traveled to both Iceland and Cuba, which has resulted in several bodies of work I'm excited about. Also, I have another Impossible film based series that is nearly opposite of my happy Ten beach series... It is a dark, moody, black and white series of the city as a living structure.

Dinner Party. 10 Guests. Who do you invite?

Jimi Hendrix

Stanley Kubrick

Jeff Bridges (possibly as the Dude)

Kermit the Frog

Barack Obama

Elle MacPherson (circa 1989)

Jennifer Schwartz

The Beastie Boys

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Big Wheel by Clay Lipsky

Comments

[david bram]

nice mottos