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Shane Balkowitsch Collection of Deb Haaland Photographs

 Collection
Identifier: PICT-2019-008

Scope and Content

The collection includes a black glass ambrotype of Representative Debra Haaland, photographed using the wet plate collodion technique in Shane Balkowitsch's North Dakota studio, June 23, 2019. This plate, number 3193, is the second of four ambrotype plates exposed on this date. It is titled "Crushed Turquoise," Haaland's native name. In it, she wears traditional dress and turquoise jewelry, including a ring, bracelets, and beaded and squash blossom necklaces.

In addition, there are reproduction prints (stereo view cards, cabinet cards, and 11 x 14 inch prints) made from glass plates of Rep. Haaland and other subjects, along with a poster commemorating the June 2019 book release and signing event. The digital images include additional views of the book event and the ambrotype photo shoot.

Dates

  • 2014-2022
  • Majority of material found in 2019

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Duplication of print and photographic material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for copyright compliance. For more information see the Photographs and Images Research Guide and contact the Pictorial Archivist.

Biography

Shane Balkowitsch (1969- ) is a businessman and amateur photographer who has taught himself the 19th century photographic process to produce ambrotypes using collodion wet plates. In this process, silver halide particles are suspended in a collodion binder and poured onto a glass plate. The photographs are one of a kind positives, images made directly in the camera. Technically, ambrotypes are negatives, often slightly underexposed and placed on a dark background. Balkowitsch's method uses black glass.

Working from his Bismarck, North Dakota "Nostalgic Glass Wet Plate Studio", Balkowitsch began a project in 2016 to photograph 1000 Native Americans, recalling Edward S. Curtis' North American Indians of 110 years before. The first volume of Balkowitsch's series, Northern Plains Native Americans, was published in 2019. Rep. Deb Haaland attended the book release and signing event, at which time she was photographed by Balkowitsch.

Congresswoman Debra Haaland, first elected to represent New Mexico District 1 in 2018, is one of the first Native American women elected to serve in Congress. She is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguana, and also has Jemez Pueblo heritage. Haaland is a University of New Mexico graduate, earning both undergraduate and law degrees.

Extent

31 items (2 boxes, 1 folder) : 1 glass plate, 14 reproductions and posters, 16 digital images

Abstract

Black glass ambrotype of Representative Debra Haaland, photographed using the wet plate collodion technique in Shane Balkowitsch's North Dakota studio, June 23, 2019; and supplemental reproductions of and about the ambrotype process.

Physical Location

B2. Shelved by Pictorial Number; oversize folder filed in large drawers by Pictorial Number.

Collection Available Online

A scan of the Haaland ambrotype is available in digital format from New Mexico Digital Collections

Related Material

Balkowitsch' project on photograph Northern Plains Indians recalls Edward Curtis' massive effort, the 20 volume North American Indians. In addition, numerous early 20th century photographers photographed similar subjects, but often using dry plates.

Howard Clinton Tibbitts Pictorial Collection Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico. Margaret Herter Collection of Karl Moon and Alabama Milner Photographs Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico. Simeon Schwemberger Photograph Albums Collection Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico.

Processing Information

Collection processed upon receipt in July 2019.

Additions corelated to publication of volumes of Norther Plains Native Americans processed as received. Volume 2 postcards processed in 2022.
Title
Finding Aid of the Shane Balkowitsch Collection of Deb Haaland Photographs, 2014-2019
Status
Edited Full Draft
Author
CSWR staff
Date
© 2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451