Mordançage Workshop
Instructor: Elizabeth Opalenik
Mordançage is an acid etch process where the chemical solution bleaches a gelatin silver print as it softens the blackest emulsion. These lifted floating veils of emulsion can be removed or manipulated per your wish in the redeveloping stage. Each resulting image,appears three dimensional where the emulsion has been stripped away or allowed to reform on the paper creating a unique new image.
In this workshop we shall begin with a brief history of the Mordançage process and the work of Jean Pierre Sudre, the French photographer that created the1960 formula we use today. As her mentor and friend for over 15 years, Elizabeth learned the process directly from this master in his Provence atelier. Viewing their original work in Mordançage will add valuable insight into directions for making it your own creative voice.
Together students shall mix the chemistry and begin with an instructor demonstration on understanding the test strips to discover proper exposures for negatives or photograms. What takes time to create, time respects. Mordançage takes time to master. Information on negatives or materials to bring shall be sent prior to the workshop. Both darkroom days will be spent testing various paper and redeveloper combinations, experimenting with oxidation and toners to alter color, and deciding to save or not to save the veils. Often, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Discussions will also focus on intent for the final image. Papers, chemicals and notebooks with formulas will be supplied.
By the end of the workshop, students will have a safe working knowledge of the process, and leave with archivally processed images. You will have a good foundation into the techniques if you decide to continue in your darkroom. After 22 years of committing to the Mordançage process, Elizabeth has many possibilities, pitfalls and discoveries to share. By working with a small group of photographic peers, students can combine information on papers available today to further enhance their creativity. Experimenting is highly encouraged. A working knowledge of the darkroom is essential.
Class is limited to ten participants.
ONE seat available
Location: Pittsburgh Filmmakers
Date: June 9-10, 2012 (Sat, Sun)
Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm (with break for lunch)
Cost: $385 (In addition: A $40 Lab fee is payable to Elizabeth on the first day of the workshop)
ONE seat available
Symposium registration is required to sign up for a workshop