Explore the artistry behind Palladium Over Pigment Printing in Matthew Blum’s latest video. This intricate process marries the rich tonality of palladium prints with the vibrant hues of pigment prints, resulting in images that are both timeless and striking. Watch as Blum masterfully demonstrates each step, creating works that are as enduring as they are beautiful.
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Conquest of the Magic Squirrel
“Conquest of the Magic Squirrel” is a delightful short film that brings to life the enchanting tale of a dog whose toy animates into existence. Produced for the Artsquest 2021 Looking Forward 48 Hour Film Challenge, it’s a story filled with wonder, adventure, and the heartfelt antics of a playful pup.
In 2024, it screened at the Allentown Film Festival and won Best Animal Dramedy in the LV short films category.
Milky Way Time-lapse
Discover the mesmerizing dance of the stars in Matthew Blum’s Milky Way time-lapse from Cherry Springs Park, Pennsylvania. Shot on a Canon 6D with a 50mm lens, each frame of this celestial spectacle is a 10-second exposure at ISO 2000, f/2.0, capturing the galactic core’s graceful journey across the night sky. This time-lapse is a breathtaking ode to the cosmic wonders above us.
Bethlehem House Gallery Changeover Time-lapse
Step into the whirlwind of creativity and precision with Matthew Blum’s time-lapse “changeover” video, a glimpse into the transformative setup for the 2020 Juried Show at Bethlehem House Gallery. Directed and curated by Executive Director/Curator Ward Van Haute, the video reveals the meticulous process of arranging an art exhibit. From bare walls to a harmonious display of artistry, witness the gallery evolve in preparation for an exceptional showcase of talent.
New times, new techniques — Featured in The Morning Call
In April 2020, The Morning Call published a piece by Glenn Koehler about how Lehigh Valley visual artists were adapting their work during the early months of the pandemic—navigating canceled shoots, paused classes, and the constraints of social distancing while still trying to keep making things.
I was included as one of the local photographers adjusting to that sudden shutdown. The article discusses how commercial work largely stalled, and how I shifted attention inward—digging through archives, rediscovering images to print, and spending time in the darkroom. It also highlights my interest in historical print processes, including palladium printing and carbon printing, and my ongoing effort to combine modern image-making with older, hands-on methods—essentially merging today’s cameras with the printing techniques of the past.
The story also features other Lehigh Valley photographers and educators finding new ways to stay creative and connected, from remote teaching strategies to experimenting with alternative processes and online resources.
Source: The Morning Call — “New times, new techniques: Lehigh Valley visual artists are finding creative ways to work” (Glenn Koehler, April 2, 2020)
Matthew Blum ‘Windows’ in Baum exhibit
“Windows to the Past: Lehigh County” was an exhibition by Matthew Blum that ran from October 24 to November 21, 2019. Blum’s photography brought to life the historic edifices of Lehigh County, places etched in time and registered as national treasures. Utilizing a palette of historical photo printing techniques, from cyanotype to palladium, he captured the essence of structures like the Burnside Plantation and Americus Hotel. The show was not just a visual journey but an educational experience, culminating in a workshop and closing reception that engaged and enlightened the community.
