Alfred Stieglitz
Alfred Stieglitz book published by National Gallery of Art
This past weekend I was in Ottawa and stopped in at a used book store, Argosy books on Dalhousie to be exact. I made my way to the back to the photography section, where there were some interesting ones, mostly old history photography books, which were at eye level. But up above were the books that are too tall to fit in shelves and are slotted sideways with the titles facing down. So I took the ladder to see what was up there and pulled out an Alfred Stieglitz book, wrapped in a protective plastic and heavy. I started looking through it and what a beautiful book!
The paper has an ivory colour, a perfect thickness and the texture is a mixture of silk and velvet. The book is about 14 inches by 11 and the pictures are set in the middle letting the paper frame them perfectly. The tones of the images are so rich and absolutely stunning. The book even smells good – not like plastic! Not only are there over 70 printed plates, including images of Georgia O’keeffe and his Equivalent series, but there is also a section called Alfred Stieglitz On Photography, which are his writings.
Stieglitz journal entries, published articles and his letters to various artists and photographers, reveal his views about photography at the time and how he saw the medium evolving. Stieglitz had for a mission to establish photography as a valid art form and expression. He published over two hundred articles stating his case and educating the people, some of which are in this book.
I am taking my time to read through his thoughts, but so far my favorite entry and article, that is probably still relevant to our times, is from his “Twelve Random Dont’s,” Photographic Topics, January 1909. “Don’t believe you become an artist the instant you received a gift Kodak on Xmas morning.” Now it would be a digital camera with a lot of numbers in the name! “..The machine may see for you, but its eye is dead. Your eye should furnish it with life. But don’t believe that all open eyes see. Seeing needs practice – just like photography itself.”
Needless to say, I bought it! I am extremely happy; it is in perfect condition and a first edition print. It was printed in 1983 by the National Gallery of Art, Washington and co published with Callaway Editions. This was my hidden treasure in this used book store!
About Aislinn
Aislinn Leggett is a Montreal-based photographer. You can learn more about her work on her website and on her personal blog. You can also follow her Twitter @aislinnleggett and on Facebook.
oooooooooo lucky you! sounds wonderful.