About the workshop
In this workshop, we will be using homemade developers made from plant material to create camera-less images on film called phytograms. The film is chemically developed out through direct contact. As in the lumen process, this can result in unexpected and often beautiful colors. Because they are transparent, phytograms are extremely versatile. They can be hand-colored or gilded, presented on light boxes, printed onto other light sensitive surfaces in single or multiple exposures, or even spliced together to create movies or videos. Photographic developers contain a group of chemicals classified as phenols. They are electron rich, which initiates development (electron exchanges). Many plants contain phenols that are released by a washing soda/vitamin C solution. They are rather weak, but when you add the energy of the sun or UV light, the developing properties are intensified. In addition, plants release other chemicals that result in subtle variations in color, such as the many compounds found in fragrant plants. Results can also vary depending on the type of film used. All aspects of the process will be covered from creating the developer, laying out of the film, exposure, fixing, and washing.
Your teacher
Anne Eder @darcflower
Anne Eder is an interdisciplinary artist and in-demand educator. She has been internationally exhibited and published and has received multiple awards in alternative process photography. She is currently a lecturer in the Lewis Center for the Arts, Princeton University, instructor in the Harvard Ceramics Program, Harvard University, faculty at Penumbra Foundation in NYC, Santa Fe Workshops, and at the Griffin Museum of Photography. She teaches workshops at venues across the country and, via online learning, all over the world. Much of her work is experimental and research based, combining historic processes, science, contemporary conceptual thinking, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional photographic chemistry. Throughout her career, she has been an advocate for increased access to the arts, and the creation of public art is a dedicated part of her practice. She lives in New England with her fabulous chihuahua, The Brain.