Today we are pleased to share the work space of Ray Bidegain
Please tell us about your workspace.
For the last 34 years, I have had my studio in the basement of my home in Portland, Oregon. In the beginning I was working as a commercial portrait photographer, and the studio was primarily a black-and-white dark room where I made gelatin silver prints.
Later, after I began making platinum prints, some of the space was made into an area for coating and exposing alternative process materials.
For the last six years I have been printing my work as photogravures. My studio space has changed considerably now, including a Takach etching press and a warm table for inking and wiping plates. The darkroom is now where I cut and soak paper, trim plates, and develop my film and plates. The rest of the space is dedicated to finishing prints, cutting mats, and shipping work.
Please click on images to see a different view.
What are your objects of inspiration?
My studio is filled with photographs made by my friends and fellow artists, along with the props I collect. Mostly I have dead flowers, bones, and vintage clothes. I like props that find their own way into my life and later into my work. I have a lovely collection of photography books, as well, although most of them are upstairs in the house.
Do you have any favorite tools in your work space?
In the last few years my tools have been distilled to an essential set that fit my needs and soothe me. I have one camera, a Rolleiflex, a fine Takach 18” etching press, and a very satisfying brayer made by Takach.
A few years ago I built a small daylight studio at the back of my house that I use for all of my studio work. I was inspired by the portable daylight studio Irving Penn used on his travels. It is simple and has panels I can use to control the light. I think of that space as another tool.
How did you set up your space to accommodate the different media
and techniques that you use?
A student and very good friend of mine traveled to Portland from Japan to learn to make platinum prints. He mentioned to me that when in my studio he felt like I was the captain of a submarine. He was referring to the idea that my space is fairly small and I have utilized every square inch to suit my process. I am constantly adapting and adjusting. Most recently, I have created a space that will allow me to teach printmaking to small groups
rather than one student at a time, as I have in the past.
If there was one thing you could change about your space what
would it be?
As a printmaker, I make many prints, usually 1-3 editions per week. I print out the entire edition of 8, as is traditional with printmaking and different for me than my process in the past. So my current need for change involves print storage. I have a large flat file and shelves of boxes, but we all know how quickly they can fill up.
How do you keep track of all of your ideas?
My ideas tend to live in a small group of themes that are important to me and often revisited. I surround myself with props and notes I have written to serve as small flirts that call for my attention. The photographs in my space serve to encourage me to keep working and remind me of the importance of art and artists in our lives.
What is on your desk right now?
My desk currently has my MacBook, a scanner, the Rolleiflex, and a few random props. Recently a good friend encouraged me to start doing mail art like was poplar in the 80’s, so I have. I find it incredibly rewarding and inspiring, and I love making the small prints I am sending. So my desk has a stack of the prints and my mailing lists that I am trying to organize.
Does your space inspire you?
I find great comfort and satisfaction in my studio and for me inspiration is born from these feelings. I have been very lucky to spend my life on this journey of being a photographer. Over the years, with the support of my family and this space, I have landed in a calm and settled place as an artist. I am grateful.
Thank you Ray.
To learn more about the work of Ray Bidegain please click on his name to visit his page.
I’ve known Ray’s work for years, great to see his space. Inspiring. -BR