© Kevin Martini-Fuller, *Lloyd Wright & Pip Gillett*, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020

October 25, 2023

Amie Potsic interviews Kevin Martini-Fuller about his many years photographing the American West and creating tintype portraits of cowboy poets.

Kevin Martini-Fuller, a seasoned photographer, photo educator, and the principal of 'Novelda Editions,' discovered his passion for photography at the age of 12 when he first experimented with a 'Kodak Brownie Hawkeye.' This early experience sparked his fascination with camera mechanics and the magic of the darkroom.

His initial enthusiasm led him to delve into historical photographic processes, motivating him to explore this aspect of art history. After obtaining a BFA in Art History from Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, Martini-Fuller earned an MFA in photography from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. During his time at SIU, he specialized in photogravure and carbon printing.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Martini-Fuller shared his expertise by teaching photography workshops across the U.S. and Europe. He also served as an adjunct professor for 15 years, covering various photography subjects at four universities in St. Louis, Missouri.

In 1990, Eastman Kodak Company appointed him as their 'Corporate Ambassador' at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, a role he held for 15 years. His responsibilities included organizing summer photography programs for park visitors and capturing the essence of the American Southwest for Kodak.

Martini-Fuller's contributions to photography education were recognized in 2000 when he received the 'International Grand Prize Award' from the International Photo Imaging Education Association. This achievement led to a yearlong traveling exhibition displayed in 45 venues worldwide.

In 1986, he initiated a project to create portraits of poets and artisans at the 'National Cowboy Poetry Gathering' in Elko, Nevada. This ongoing project, now in its 36th year, features over 1,100 portraits and more than 40,000 images.

Continuing his artistic journey, Martini-Fuller focuses on personal projects and limited edition portfolios. His recent exploration involves wet-plate collodion, resulting in captivating tintypes and ambrotypes, showcasing his ongoing creativity and innovation in photography.

COWBOY POET TINTYPES

© Kevin Martini-Fuller, *Ernie Sites*, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020

© Kevin Martini-Fuller, *Jim Brooks*, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020

© Kevin Martini-Fuller, *A.K. Kathy Moss*, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020

Kevin Martini-Fuller, *Chris Henrich,* Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020

© Kevin Martini-Fuller, *Dom Flemon*, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020

Click here to visit Kevin Martini-Fuller’s website.

Click here to visit Kevin Martini-Fuller's Art History page.

Banner Image: Photographs by Kevin Martini-Fuller, Grid of Cowboy Poet series © Kevin Martini-Fuller