SHANE BALKOWITSCH Shane Balkowitsch, founder of Balkowitsch Enterprises Inc. and Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio, is no stranger to the rewards that come with doing what you love. Since 2014, Balkowitsch has delved deeply into the lost art of wet plate photography. The form that first began in 1848 combines chemicals and light exposure to create one glass photograph able to withstand centuries of wear and tear. âIt is called an ambrotype, which means âeternal impression,' which is essentially silver on glass,â says Balkowitsch, who is one of less than 1,000 people worldwide still practicing this form of photography today. The series Balkowitsch hopes to leave behind as his most important contribution is his collection entitled âNorthern Plains Native Americans: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective." It began with the first photograph he ever took of a Native American, the Great Grandson of Sitting Bull, Ernie LaPointe. âI asked Ernie to join me to recreate the image of his Grandfather, 135 years later, with the same process and in the same city,â said Balkowitsch. With this incredible feat came the
story: Marlee Seibold | photos provided by Shane Balkowitsch
opportunity for a wet plate entitled âEternal Field" to be archived by the North Dakota Historical Society, furthering its ability to last for generations. Years following this photo, he met Dakota Goodhouse of United Tribes and asked to take his photograph. From there, his idea for the series really took off. âI started with a goal of 50 plates and have completed 115. My new goal is 1,000 plates, which will take me about 20 years of my life to complete at the current rate,â explained Balkowitsch, whose primary objective is to have the entire collection archived as a way to help showcase modern day Native Americans. Historians Dakota Goodhouse and Margaret Landin of United Tribes have collaborated with Balkowitsch to help ensure the elements of his wet plates remain authentic and respectful to the Native American culture. He invites all Native Americans
from any tribe to participate in his wet plate
series, encouraging the use of their own clothing and props to help maintain the integrity and authenticity of the work he is doing. Balkowitsch says he intends to âshow that they are still here, and showcase their culture" with the series. Bismarck Art and Galleries Association (BAGA) in downtown Bismarck will display the series from 5-7 p.m. on November 3. Native Americans from tribes across the state will be in attendance, dressed in their authentic attire. Prints of the wet plates will be sold at the exhibit with proceeds going to BAGA and the Native American College Fund. Along with being a successful business owner, Balkowitsch says he hopes to make wet plate photography his legacy by âusing the camera and art, as a tool for change."
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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017