Polaroid: What are you working on now, or what have you shot recently on Polaroid film?

David Levinthal: Since 1999, I have been working on a series entitled "XXX" that is shot with the 20x24 camera. The images, first shown in Paris in 2000, will be exhibited in New York City in May.

Polaroid: You have taught a number of workshops over the years and have always used the SX-70 and 600 cameras, why is that?

David Levinthal: Both of these cameras are excellent teaching tools. When you only have a limited amount of time, say four or five days, to work with students, you want to spend as much time as possible focusing on ideas that will stay with the students long after the workshops have ended. Therefore, I like to begin working with the students quickly and let them see the results of their work as soon as possible. The SX-70 and 600 cameras allow this to happen and also create an interactive environment where students can work and react to their project almost instantaneously. Polaroid cameras are really ideal teaching tools. There is no time lost waiting for darkroom time and lengthy processes, the results are right there, and I can comment on them immediately. The students can respond and create new work on the spot.

Polaroid: You recently conducted a workshop at the Bouriege Arts Retreat in Bouriege, France. How did that go?

David Levinthal: At Bouriege, my students used both SX-70 and 600 cameras. This enabled them to begin working right away and start developing their own projects. We worked in a studio environment with toys and objects that I had brought with me.