Today we’d like to introduce you to Marco Yat Chun Chan.
Hi Marco, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Hello, everyone! I’m Marco Yat Chun Chan, a photographic printer and photographer hailing from Hong Kong. Currently, I am residing in Savannah, Georgia, pursuing my studies in Photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). My photographic journey commenced in 2017, sparked by the enchantment I experienced during a trip to London. It was then that I realized the profound joy of possessing a camera and capturing the beauty of the world while traveling.
Growing up in the vibrant and densely populated international metropolis of Hong Kong, my fascination with local heritage and diverse cultures became a driving force in my projects. Through my work, I aim to unveil the essence of my subjects, showcasing the rich tapestry of global cultures and inspiring exploration in our vast world.
My time at SCAD has been transformative, thanks to passionate professors and fellow enthusiasts who have broadened my perspective within the photographic realm. Immersed in the world of printing, I am dedicated to crafting physical works that resonate with artists worldwide. My dream is to establish my own photographic print lab in the future, contributing to the tangible and lasting presence of art in our lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Much like many photographers and artists, my artistic journey has been a journey of discovery marked by challenges and triumphs. Prior to college, I hadn’t delved into the realm of art, unaware of the latent seed of creativity within me. Nevertheless, upon entering college, I made a concerted effort to immerse myself in the world of art, absorbing everything I could.
Today, I possess a nuanced understanding of the photographic and art world. With aspirations of becoming a master printer and establishing my own print lab, I am determined to surmount the hurdles along the way. While the workflow in photography appears straightforward, involving a few hardware elements and steps to achieve a result, the real challenge lies in mastering their utilization and understanding the artistry behind the process.
My learning curve has been anything but smooth. Initially, grasping the basics of a craft is one thing, but as I progress, intricate problems surface, demanding significant time and effort to resolve. An example lies in my experience in the Alternative Processes class. Over a 10-week program, we explored various Historic Printing Processes, each with a unique chemical property that posed an intimidating challenge to master in a short timeframe. Grateful for the guidance of professors and the support of peers, I gradually came to understand the distinctive characteristics of each process, even integrating a pathway to create prints using digital technology.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My work revolves around the exploration of local heritage and culture, where I deeply immerse myself in each subject, conducting thorough research to create a substantial body of work. I specialize in various printing processes, ranging from Silver Gelatin Printing and Historic Processes to Digital Inkjet printing. My affinity for lab work, especially in the wet darkroom, allows me to delve into the intricate details of my craft.
One of my notable projects, “After Walker Evans – Savannah,” pays homage to the influential American photographer Walker Evans, known for documenting the landscape during the Great Depression for the Farm Security Administration (FSA). Inspired by Evans’ work in Savannah, GA, I embarked on a journey to revisit the same locations years later. Utilizing a large format camera, I documented the preserved architecture, acknowledging both Walker Evans’ legacy and the commendable preservation efforts of the Savannah Government. This project resonates with my experiences in Hong Kong, where historic structures often face neglect in the wake of modernization.
Another project I take pride in is “Dollar Landscape,” a reflection on landscape photography in the contemporary age of technology. I explore the evolving motives behind visiting sublime landscapes, influenced by travel culture and social media. The project addresses the diminishing essence of landscapes in the face of the overwhelming influx of scenery images. Through meticulous details, such as incorporating the average height of trees and the actual height of mountains, I aim to remind viewers of the innate glory of the natural landscape amidst the digital noise.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
In my artistic journey, I’ve been fortunate to have the support of numerous professors and peers who played pivotal roles in my success. Among them, Professor Emeritus Craig Stevens stands out as a true luminary. A master artist, printer, professor, and mentor, Craig imparted extensive knowledge of historic and inkjet printing processes. Under his guidance, I discovered a profound passion for photographic printing, and his consistent support and belief in my abilities have been instrumental in my artistic growth. Craig’s nurturing guidance, captivating stories, and unwavering encouragement are gifts that will resonate with me throughout my life.
Another influential mentor is Professor Rebecca Nolan, a dedicated educator who went above and beyond to support her students amidst a busy schedule. I’m grateful for her guidance on my projects, her insistence on perfection in craft and ideas, and her willingness to arrange additional sessions to discuss my creative endeavors and future plans.
I’m also indebted to other important figures, including Professor Jaclyn Cori Norman, the supportive brothers from the 75 Kowloon Group Boy Scout Group, my enduring friend from high school and college, Willy Wong, and my beloved girlfriend, Teresa Yeung. Their unwavering support and guidance have been my anchor through the challenges of the artistic journey. As I continue forward, I’m hopeful that our mutual support will remain, forging a path for collaborative success in the future.
Pricing:
- Silver Gelatin Prints Range From $100-$200
- Archival Inkjet Prints Range from $50-$150
- Historic Process Prints (Such as Cyanotype, Platinum Print, you name it) Range from $150-$200
- Custom Printing can be provided range from $30-$200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marcoycmedia.wixsite.com/marcoyc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcoycportraits/
Image Credits
Marco Yat Chun Chan
