Description
In this workshop, students will play with plants and light-sensitive photo materials using two different processes. Lumen prints are made with photographic black and white paper. Plants are laid directly on the photo paper under glass and exposed to the sun. Cyanotype photograms are one-of-a-kind photographs made using the sun as a light source. This early 19th-century process produces prints with beautiful cyan-blue and white tones. Participants will learn to coat watercolor paper with the cyanotype chemicals and, once dry, make photograms by placing the plants on the paper and exposing them to sunlight. We will play with various liquids and pigments on the paper creating surprising results!
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:
An apron or old shirt to wear
Plant materials (optional)
A box (11 × 14 more or less) to carry prints home in (some may be wet)
Any specialty papers you might want to try
Provided by instructors:
Trays
Tongs
Cyanotype chemicals
Hydrogen peroxide
Spices
Vinegar
Paper
Graduates
Bowls
Plastic wrap
Hairdryer
Brushes
Glass and backing
Towels and gloves