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"I'd like to elevate myself through film photographs. It's a feeling that continues to grow stronger."
[This is Miyajima's second appearance in these pages in three years. We asked him this time whether his stance towards photography had changed, and questioned him about his current state of mind and future plans.]
The big difference between now and three years ago is that I have fewer opportunities to use digital cameras when creating my works. Although my point of view regarding photography hasn't changed, the difference between film and digital photographs has become much clearer to me to the extent that I've been strongly drawn to using film again.
I reached the conclusion that film cameras have always been central to my work, whereas digital cameras are just another tool I carry around in my bag. I've been taking monochrome photos since my first year of high school, trying everything to create images that satisfy me. There's no end to it, and the results don't come easily. I feel I need to go still deeper into the subject so that I can raise myself to a higher level of understanding. That feeling is growing stronger than ever.
Regardless of whether one is dealing with silver or platinum prints, a film photo involves the process of metallization in which images are formed by the crystallization of silver or platinum compounds. It's that physical aspect of film that attracts me. With film, it's also very important to maintain a contemplative frame of mind during the process, and by this I mean real contemplation, not mere daydreaming. To get a clearer black in monochrome photos, for example, you have to try all manner of approaches and overcome all kinds of problems. To me, with all the time and effort involved, the process is akin to the crafting of a work of art. Your skin feels the temperature of the developing fluid and water. Your nose tells you the condition of the chemicals you're using. Evaluating the situation based on the physical evidence acquired with your five senses enables you to refine both your techniques and your thoughts to reach a higher level of accomplishment and awareness.
My artistic stance, indeed my policy, is to work with my hands at every step of the photographic process. I find digital photos a little disappointing in that you can see the results immediately. I love and respect film photos and the related techniques developed during 160 years of history. Creating something one step at a time also appeals to me.
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