Earth to Images: Alternative Photo Making – Online

The photographic and cinematic industries are characterised by environmentally corrosive applications against a history of associations with the mining industry. This is an invitation to explore the environmental consequences of image-making through alternative photo processes beyond the traditional analogue processes we all know and love. Join a group of curious artists to investigate the concept of pollution as colonisation, and confront the ethical challenges of using a toxic medium that harms the earth as you document it.

Considering materials as both subjects and audience of our work, the group will experiment with new ways of making that considers responsible sourcing of materials and sustainable methods. This course will approach image-making from an environmentally conscious standpoint, by embracing the inherent ephemerality in the work and acknowledging our own transience and mortality.

Delivered online via Zoom over 4 weeks, meeting weekly to examine different methods of printmaking; namely Anthotypes, Chlorophyll prints and alternative ways of collaborating with the environment around us. Works created by the group will feature on the PhotoAccess online Community Gallery here.

Session One, Tuesday June 6th, 2023, 7-8pm AEDT on Zoom

– An untold history of photography
– Earth as a recorder of itself
– ‘Experiencing Landscapes’ Alice Cazenave PhD + The Sustainable Darkroom, London
– ‘Pollution as Colonisation’ – Max Liboiron
– Brief introduction to alternative methods of image-making

Session Two, Tuesday June 13th, 2023, 7-8pm AEDT on Zoom

– Introduction to Anthotypes
– Photo sensitive petals, berries and fruits.
– Methodology, printing and conservation.

Session Three, Tuesday June 20th, 2023, 7-8pm AEDT on Zoom

– Introduction to Chlorophylls Prints
– Most effective plants to work with
– Methodology, printing and conservation

Session Four, Tuesday June 27th, 2023, 7-8pm AEDT on Zoom

– Working with what we have at hand: Intervention of negatives using the natural environment.
– Documentation, seasonality, timeframes.
– Between controlled destruction and conservation

Each participant will receive a personal materials pack from PhotoAccess including materials you will need to experiment;

• Watercolour paper
• B&W positive transparencies
• Perspex sheet
• Tumeric
• Borax
• Program pamphlet
• Stickers
• Reusable PhotoAccess kit box to keep your work in

Participants will be need the following at home;

• Alcohol (anything over 70% alcohol will work)
• Old film negatives
• Leaves from different plants
• Objects to block the light with
• Tape or bulldog clips
• Paintbrush
• Optional: Copper sulphate for fixing prints, can source from Bunnings
• Optional: Picture frame to press papers, extra transparencies

Enrolments for this workshop close at 5pm on Tuesday May 30th, 2023, to provide ample time for shipping materials packs. As a not-for-profit, our financial margins are narrow and classes require a minimum number of participants to run. In the event that PhotoAccess cancels a workshop, refunds will be paid in full or a transfer allowed free of charge. If a class is postponed, we will endeavour to reschedule at a time convenient to enrolled participants.

PhotoAccess will happily refund or transfer workshop fees up to 7 days prior to the start date of the workshop. If less than 7 days’ notice is given, PhotoAccess can offer a partial refund. Alternatively, enrolment can transfer to another workshop plus a $50 transfer fee. If less than 48 hours are given, no refunds or transfers can be given. Please note that memberships purchased in conjunction with a workshop enrolment are non-refundable. See Terms and Conditions for further details.