July 1999
PMrs, trying to construct something useful on the back of a postcard that poses as a column requires conciseness and clarity (apologies if I don´t succeed).
But this constraint brings to mind David Hurn´s wise words - the need for photographers to practise clear thinking - paramount advice for all fields. So, a plug for one of the most helpful books I´ve ever read: "On Being a Photographer", co-authored by Bill Jay (should be available from Time Out Bookstore in Mt Eden).
Since this is becoming a "plug-card", I may as well add a couple of websites which I´ve found to be particularly interesting: www.digitaljournalist.org and www.photogs.com/bwworld. Somewhere in there is an excellent account of a workshop with the late, great, street-photographer, Garry Winogrand.
Also too numerous to go into details about are the exhibitions I run across here. Berlin is obviously a gallery-goer´s paradise, but Leipzig doesn´t do too badly - about 70 galleries, at least 10 of which are showing photography at the moment.
The only personal news to share is that I´ve been invited to join a Hungarian/German group of 10 artists for an exchange exhibition scheduled for November ´99 and March next year, and supported by both governments.
One last plug: Auckland water...I promise never to complain again. I´ve had to switch to distilled water here to get decent negs!
While on the subject of "water", Paris stinks in summer...but it more than surpasses all cliches for photography (Don´t go there with a girl - there are more shops than undeveloped Winogrand negatives!)
Dean (Yep, failed the concise test)
PS. I need to contact Christine Webster - can anyone help?