Art textiles

Printing with light – photograms on paper and fabric 26 to 29 July 2021 with Barbara Gunter-Jones

Ref: S3D10871

Suitable for all

£417

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About this course

Discover how to create blueprint photograms (cyanotypes) on paper and silk fabric to achieve striking photographic effects. After creating samples experiment with the technique on an individual project.

Course Description

Explore the extraordinary world of the blueprint photogram and use an early photographic technique invented in 1842 to create striking contemporary artworks. Discover how to create blueprint photograms (cyanotypes) on paper, cotton and silk. Explore how to achieve striking photographic effects and learn experimental techniques to print, develop and tone blueprints on a variety of surfaces. After creating a series of samples, you may work on an individual project adding texture and stitch, as time allows.

This evocative photographic process is a simple technique for creating fascinating photo effects on a variety of surfaces.

Using plant materials, stencils and other found objects such as string, feathers, mesh or lace, you will create a series of imaginative experimental blueprint photograms on paper and fabric.

You will begin by trying out a number of different photograms on paper to help you understand the process and build a visual vocabulary, then move on to printing on a number of different natural fibre fabrics such as cotton, silk and viscose.

You will:

• Gain an understanding of the techniques and processes of blueprinting and gain the confidence to explore the potential of this art form

• Be guided through the process of coating the paper and fabric.

• Learn how to expose the photogram in sunlight.

• Discover how to include and combine photogram images with text or hand drawn marks.

• Be encouraged to try different developing and toning techniques to alter the colour of the photogram.

• Leave with a practical understanding of the potential of the medium for future experimentation.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

The course fee includes the cost of providing all the photogram chemicals and toning solutions, plus six pieces of pre-coated fabric (approx A3 size) per student.

What students need to bring

You are encouraged to bring in some of your own objects to create photograms with. Suitable items need to be fairly flat such as ribbon, string, leaves, feathers, etc. This is not essential as the tutor will provide plenty of material to print with.
Rubber gloves
Apron

Available to buy

Available from shop:
Scissors
A4 watercolour paper/other textured papers to experiment with (you will need at least 20 sheets)
Available from tutor:
Additional pieces of pre-coated fabrics can be purchased from the tutor.