Free Pallets From Work

When I bought the Beast 1 ton truck in May, I was not sure I had done the right thing. Now I am sure it was a good buy. The truck has been an important and even vital tool in my wet plate project. I can use it to tow the darkroom trailer, as a large Ambrotype making worktable and for hauling pretty much anything.

Tonight, I picked up some free pallets from work. I got 14 loaded on the truck. That should be enough wood to make 28-35 small 8x10 frames, maybe some 8x10 diptych or triptych frames as well.

I need to get the pallets home and stored before the heavy snowfall. need to get the pallets home and stored before the heavy snowfall.

Loaded down pallet truck!

8x10 pallet frame

Pallets from Work?

Am trying to get some free pallets from where I work as a security guard. The petrochemical plant I have worked at for 29 years, has a whole bunch of stacked pallets in the back by the warehouse. I am trying to get some of them for my frame making. It would be cool to have an exhibition of frames made from discarded garbage pallets. I like that idea of bringing something back to life and not wasting it. There is an artistic beauty to it. 

I hope I can 5 or 10 free pallets!

Cottonwoods in recycled pallet wood frame

Bertha Point in recycled pallet wood frame

Diptych Frame Design Ideas

Tonight, I have been trying to figure out how I will make my Ambrotype Diptych frames. I have several designs drawn out. I will make an 8x10 Diptych frame next week off. Later on, I will do 14x14 inch Diptych and possibly a Triptych frame for work I shot in Saskatchewan and Manitoba over the summer. It should not be that hard, step by step, we will get the work done.

The plan is to use these frames in gallery exhibitions. I will also photograph the work in frames, to make submissions to galleries nationwide. It is important that I start pushing the AMBROTOS KANATA Ambrotype work into galleries. More shows will lead to more picture making opportunities, and from there, on and upward for the Ambros!

Diptych frame design ideas

How to Make a Dip-Trip Frame

Been trying to figure out how to make my Ambrotype dip and triptych frames. I have a couple of ideas. I will start with a 8x10 diptych frame for two of the “Bertha Peak” images before moving up to the larger 11x14, 14x14 and 24x24 inch diptych/triptych versions.

I am pretty sure I can make them. Am gaining some confidence in my recently acquired woodworking skills :)

I think I will try to make a 8x20 diptych frame my next week off.

Winter Shooting!

 

Video: Bertha Peak Framed Ambrotype

Bertha Peak, 8x10 Clear Glass Ambrotype, AMBROTOS KANATA, Waterton National Park, Alberta, 2023 

The frame was my second attempt using discarded, garbage pallet wood, with a charcoal stain.

When it Works!!

It is so nice when you have a creative vision that turns out pretty well exactly as you planned. That happened with both this Ambrotype plate and the frame.

Cottonwoods in Pallet Frame

Video: Louis and Me, A Wonderful World!!

 

Video: Pallet Wood Frame, 8x10 Cottonwood Trees

Cottonwood Tree, 8x10 Clear Glass Ambrotype, AMBROTOS KANATA, Waterton National Park, Alberta, 2023 

The frame was my first attempt using discarded, garbage pallet wood, with a charcoal stain.

I have started to make my own frames. I invested in all the wood working tools (around $3000 CAD) to make frames for the long term Ambrotype project, AMBROTOS KANATA. 

The cost of framing from shops is mind boggling expensive. My thinking is that after an exhibition or two with the Ambrotypes in home made frames, the carpentry tools will pay for themselves. 

In the future I will need super large frames for 24x24 inch Ambrotype dipdychs and triptychs. If I can become a better frame maker, those framing costs will also come way down!

The part that surprised me was how much fun woodworking can be. It is a creative and meditative experience. Reminds me of photography!! Who knew!

Facebook Question?

 Question? (From a Facebook wet plate page)

My Answer.

“What type moves you most as an artist? What is most beautiful to your heart and mind? The rest does not matter, if you love it, if you work hard, you will be fulfilled and happy. Hopefully you will create images that matter.”