In addition to his fine art and commercial projects, Levinthal often teaches photography students. We recently interviewed him about his work and his teaching experience last summer at a workshop in France.

David Levinthal: I first began using Polaroid film extensively in my artwork around 1984. At the time I was using small HO scale figures to create little film noir-like dioramas and photographing them with an SX-70 camera and close-up lens. The Polaroid film was really my first serious venture into the use of color in my work and it provided many advantages for me. First, the instant nature of the film created an interactive process. I immediately could see the results of my work and adjust my scenes to create exactly the image that I was looking for. Being able to work so quickly also enhances the sense of immediate discovery. Working as I have for almost thirty years with toy figures and models, you often will discover new ideas as the work progresses. The instant viewing that Polaroid film provides is a critical part of this process.

Polaroid: Besides SX-70 Time Zero film, which Polaroid films have you experimented with over your career and which ones are you still drawn to now?

David Levinthal: I still use SX-70 film as well as several 600-type films and the 20x24 films. I have always enjoyed the intimate feeling that is created by looking at an SX-70 or 600 print, particularly when they are framed. There is a preciousness about the print that forces the viewer to look closely at the image. The rich, saturated colors that are so unique to Polaroid films create a sense of depth in the work.