The man is scary. Quinton Gordon is scary smart, knows how to drive a stick shift, can manhandle a large format camera through coastal rainforest, and effortlessly orders the right beer on a hot Canadian day. He’s a craftsman who always chooses the most difficult path. Forget talking about slowing down. He already did, years ago, and it shows in the intensely beautiful prints and books he produces. I’ve known him for fifteen years, and we’ve taught together, but this was the first time we sat down for a chat. All I had to do was drive the van to Albuquerque, take the shuttle to the airport, fly to Seattle, take the train to the harbor, board a ferry for a three-hour ride to the Great White North, walk to the hotel, and wait. Suddenly, he appeared.
Quinton is more than a photographer.
Pluck one of his many past lives, and it’s difficult not to be jealous or in awe. Kayak guide in the Arctic, South American vagabond; he’s been to a lot of places and he’s done a lot of things, but he also knows about his home ground. During our B-roll outing, he identifies the trees and plants, and berries, and he also knows the human history of the land he inhabits. I’m sure he’s got faulty parts, but I see him as someone who is entirely put together. His truck has the right suspension, and his house is beautiful. He and his family are friendly and welcoming. (Their dog, on the other hand, could do without the American visitor.)
This interview is for you. These are the kinds of people I want to present. People who don’t look for attention outside of putting thoughtful objects into the world. Does he lead a cinematic life chocked full of slow motion pans of his dangling Leica? No, probably not. He’s real, and he’s out there making one difficult picture at a time, waiting until the work is just right, and then cementing those lonely kilometers and exposures on the printed page.
Comments 12
Danielsan…Fantastic interview. The photographer (your friend) has such a committed, focused train of thought and process. Another great example of what most of us will face in our photographic careers (and life in general). Meaning, some sort of transition and inevitable change.
Author
That’s right. Improvise, adapt, overcome.
Putting meaning back in the making. Solid guy. There is an unusual calmness in his demeanor. Loved the interview, Dan!
Author
Thanks Rick. Have a few more on the way.
It was interesting to hear about his choices for sharing his work, and the reasons behind those choices, which include the way he makes the work. I very much appreciate his landscape photos of the local forests- sometimes the most interesting subjects are those where you have an intimate knowledge and experience of the subject. I like his favourite dead tree.
Author
Yes, close to home might not feel as exotic as getting on a plane, but most of the time we have much better time, access, and understanding at home.
6:55 Process is not enough to make a photograph interesting, it’s the marriage of idea, execution in an image, the physicality, the tactile nature of it. Great interview! Is there more? I could listen to him all day.
Author
Yes, that was a HUGELY important point. All of these people basing entire channels on technique are missing the point. Or labeling yourself as a “film photographer,” as I once did many years ago. A mistake.
This interview helped me solidify a couple of points for myself. The act of making things with my own hands. This is the clearest way of expressing why the digital workflow doesn’t resonate with me and why I stubbornly stick with film and darkroom.
His quote about the difficulty somehow elevating the whole experience. I try not to put too much weight on that idea as it can lead to a false sense of “worth” of an image, but it’s hard to let it go entirely.
Great interview Dan. It looks like your time in Victoria was well spent.
It was great to finally meet you at the Blurb book making talk.
Author
Yes, you have to be careful about the struggling being the selling point. It’s part of the process but won’t carry an image.
Where the hell do you find these people? That was absolutely amazing! I get the impression that is making books by hand by himself? I would love to know how he does that. I would love to see a video of him making a book. Thanks for this Dan.
Author
You and me both. Maybe next time I can get him to make something while I’m there.