Join visiting artist Tara Nicholson to explore the world of plant pigments and printing. This workshop will introduce participants to anthotypes, a zero-carbon, plant-based printing technique. Throughout this hands-on experience, participants will learn the historical roots of anthotypes and partake in its contemporary resurgence.
Participants will produce a series of self-made, plant pigments from various plants, vegetables and flowers to coat and sensitize different materials for anthotypes exposures. Demo exposures will be created by participants during the workshop, however, due to anthotypes time-intensive nature (often taking hours, and sometimes even days) full exposures will not be possible. Participants will leave with sensitized papers and an understanding of the anthotype process, ready to embark on their own printing journey. The workshop will include demos, studio time and discussions on eco-photography methods and the environmental advantages of adopting sustainable alternatives like anthotypes.
All materials will be provided but participants are welcome to bring in their own plants or other botanical sources to experiment with.
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In this 3-part Experimental Eco-Printing course, we'll take analog photography to new heights by exploring sustainable and alternative photographic processes. Anthotypes will reveal the captivating world of creating prints using pigments extracted from plants, infusing your images with organic charm and reducing the reliance on conventional chemicals. In Plant-Based Chemigrams, you'll combine the art of photography with painting, using eco-friendly materials and chemical reactions to craft abstract and visually stunning prints. Lastly, Cyanotypes will allow you to harness the power of sunlight and iron solutions to produce striking blue-hued prints, adding an alluring touch of nature's radiance to your compositions with minimal environmental impact. Emphasizing sustainable practices throughout, this course will not only enhance your creative skills but also foster a deep connection to the environment, making your photographic journey truly unforgettable. Through hands-on demonstrations and projects, you'll develop your abilities and artistic expression, leaving with a deeper understanding and appreciation for these more sustainable methods.
WORKSHOPS
Anthotypes from Plant Pigments
PRICING
All 3 workshops – $330 (members) / $420 (non-members)
Individual workshops - $130 (members) / $160 (non-members)
Tara Nicholson is a photo-based artist who explores ecological activism through a more-than-human lens. She has exhibited and attended residencies across Canada and internationally while receiving funding from the BC Arts Council and Canada Council. She teaches at the University of Victoria and is currently completing her PhD (UBC) that documents Arctic extinction and permafrost melt. Tara has led eco-art workshops at the FEELed Lab (Woodhaven), Exeter University (UK) and The Empire of Dirt (BC).
Tara is a participating artist in our main space exhibition, Surface, Sample, Site.