Description
Photopolymer Gravure is a modern version of 19th-century copper plate etchings. This non-toxic etching process allows the artist to make multiple prints from each image—varying the prints through choice of colored inks and papers. In this three-day workshop, students will transform three different photographic images into hand-printed etchings. Using light-sensitive steel-backed gravure plates, participants work with three plates and a variety of inks and papers. Students will leave with 8–10 prints. No printmaking experience is needed, and all levels of students are welcome.
About the Instructor
Karen Hymer was born in Tucson, Arizona. She earned her BFA from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and Tufts University, Medford and her MA and MFA in Fine Art Photography from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Karen actively exhibits her work both nationally and internationally. Her work is in several public collections, including the Center for Creative Photography and the Polaroid International Collection. Dark Spring Press released the first book of her work in April 2018.
Karen’s experience and technical interests are wide-ranging. Although “trained” as a photographer and educator, her approach to image making explores the blending of photosensitive materials, digital media, and printmaking. She is fascinated with how the passage of time affects the human body and other natural elements in the world. In addition to working as a fine art photographer, Karen taught photography for over 25 years at Pima Community College, Tucson.
In the summer of 2018 Karen relocated to Silver City, NM to open and operate Light Art Space in the historic downtown district. The space features galleries, wet darkrooms, a sculpture garden, and a printmaking/teaching studio. Karen teaches workshops and private sessions in Photopolymer Gravure and other alternative photographic processes. She lives on 28 acres of pinon – juniper forest with her standard poodle, Nigel, in an off the grid solar adobe home.
Learn More
www.karenhymer.com
Materials List
You will need to bring:
3 Digital photographs (emailed to teacher three weeks before class starts)
Apron or old shirt
8 x 10 (or larger) box for prints
Optional:
Hand coloring materials
Watercolor paper
Provided by instructors:
Plates
Aquatint screen
Paper
Inks
Exposure unit
Newsprint
Gloves
Wiping cloth
Scrapers
Film
Printer with ink to make film
Ink brushes
Magnets
Tape
File
Tray
Developing brush
Hairdryer
Powder
Powder brushes
Glass
Support for glass
Q-Tips
Dawn soap
Colored pencils
Pastels
Chine Colle materials