McKeesport Polaroids

Jim Storch

 

Part autobiography and part documentary, "McKeesport Polaroids" is an ongoing exploration of both the Polaroid format and the hometown I left years ago.

Initially, it was inspired by participation in the Matchwood Festival. Held in Braddock, PA during August, 2008, the intense creativity on display caused me to reflect on my hometown (it's just
a little further up the Monongahela River).

The use of Polaroids is deliberate. It has a uniquely dream-like look that makes one forgive its limitations and quirks. It's an easy-to-use format which was contemporary with the time of my childhood. Finally, the announcement that Polaroid would discontinue its instant films made me determined to learn from that format what I could. Since then, a group of investors leased both plant and process, so production continues.

At the beginning of this project I thought I was using a dying technology to offer a paean to a dying city. Although McKeesport and Polaroids have seen better days, I was wrong on both counts.

I wish to thank my family for providing some of the film used in this project.

 

Jim Storch currently lives in Mt. Oliver. His work has also appeared in "Open Thread" and "Encyclopedia Destructica". He also performs as an improviser on percussion and small instruments, and is a member of the Renaissance City Choir.