S2 E6: Mark Sugden: The White Mercedes

Podcast

24 Apr

In this inaugural studio-based episode of Season 2, Dan Higginson, Paul Bence, and Mark transition into a more permanent creative space to discuss the evolution of the Idle Hands Society. The conversation kicks off with a visceral and unfiltered travel story from Tanzania before settling into a deep exploration of Mark's ongoing documentary project in the Scottish Slate Islands. The trio examines the tactile pleasure of physical bookmaking, specifically the use of accordion-style binding and textured papers to elicit sensory responses. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the philosophy of the "staged documentary," sparked by the work of Doug Dubois, as they debate where the line of authenticity is drawn when a photographer begins to direct the scene.

Timestamps & Key Moments

[03:00] Paul shares a harrowing and humorous account of falling ill while travelling through Tanzania, serving as an unconventional "icebreaker" that sets the authentic and grounded tone for the new season.

[08:33] The group reflects on the practicalities of maintaining a creative community, discussing how a dedicated studio space removes the barriers to production that previously hindered their momentum.

[13:58] A discussion on the influence of personal history in photography, focusing on how a photographer's background and unique upbringing prevent their work from becoming a mere imitation of their peers.

[42:58] Mark provides a detailed look at the construction of his Slate Islands mquette, explaining the process of using accordion folds and binding tape to transform digital files into a physical film strip of memories.

[01:05:01] The conversation turns to the aesthetic choices in landscape photography, debating whether the inclusion of a human figure adds a necessary narrative scale or if it functions as an overused visual cliché.

[01:12:44] The trio performs a critical reading of Doug Dubois’s work, questioning the integrity of documentary practice when the photographer chooses to style, dress, and pose their subjects to fit a specific vision.