Polaroid Time-Zero / SX-70 Film Manipulation Interview with Schazel

What’s Your Background?

One particular family vacation I discovered what a magical box the camera could be when I followed my Uncle Helmut around as he took pictures of the massive castles, meandering streams, wildlife and landscapes in Frankfurt, Germany. It became magical to me the moment I saw on paper those places that I had etched in my mind, and they were just as spectacular as if we were still there together.

In high school I became hooked on photography when my teacher moved me from working on ad paste-up and made me one of the school’s official yearbook and  newspaper photographers. I loved taking goofy candid pictures of my classmates, plus local newsworthy and sporting events. In my junior year of high school I was awarded a journalism college cash award from the San Diego Union Newspaper.  My years in college were spent in photojournalism and social work. I chose photojournalism because photography is a very mobile type career and I thrive on being able to express myself artistically. I’ve been immersed in photography ever since.

What lead you to this art form?

I had seen and experimented many times with different Polaroid processes; transfers, emulsion transfers and printing from Polaroid negatives. I heard about SX70 manipulations and was fascinated. I bought a Polaroid SX70 camera and started playing around with it. It’s a very hands-on process. I like that I can create my own unique images. It combines my vision as a photographic artist with my desire to be a painter. And, with this out of production camera, I can express myself; make an image that suits my mood. Based on the particular tool and stroke I choose to apply, I can manipulate the gelatin stylistically while the image is processing. It provides a unique way to express myself as an artist. Depending on my mood, I can work in the techniques of the greatest artists, such as Van Gogh or a Cezanne, yet it’s still my own unique expression.

What do your collectors look for in your work?

I think they’re looking for something very painterly. My work has a feeling that someone was there or about to be there. “Sometimes, in some places, I see an idea that touches my heart. It’s a scene, it’s a statement, it’s a memory that has its own poignancy. I’m drawn to old homesteads, cafes and storefronts that symbolize the sense of an on-going dialogue, or human romance, the quiet moments, a peaceful place to put your mind. The people are usually not there, but the evidence that they had a hand in creating this location acts as an invitation to the viewer."

"That’s the feeling that is often in my work. When I look back on the final print, I can easily see myself or other people enjoying the location. It’s important to me to document that these places exist. It’s not just an idea or a wish. It’s a place I visited and recorded that can’t be denied. I think that’s the value of my art and the people that appreciate that seem to be my collectors. It’s not an easy art form to understand, but when you do, there’s nothing else like it. The combination of romance and reality give me a great sense of confidence.”

Knowing that she’s been working with this medium, on and off for five years, I asked Schazel what she thought about the future.

“Like everyone else, I have no control over the future. While I can still get my hands on SX70 film, I’ll be giving my art as much attention as time allows. My congratulations to all Polaroid artists, for their interpretation of our visual world. Their work expands our appreciation of the many overlooked moments in time, which they have sought out and represented for us. The SX70 (pola entrèes) open so many doors to creative perspective. It’s a comfort to know that in spite of the planets increasing commercialization, that beauty remains a function of perspective."

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