Tricolor Gum Bichromate

- The most flexible process to explore personal expression through color

  Christina Z. Anderson, Photography Classes and Workshops at Project Basho in Philadelphia PA
Christina Z. Anderson
Description:

Gum Bichromate is a 19th century process that creates photographically controlled watercolor prints. Gum Arabic is mixed with watercolor paint and a photosensitive substance, and brushed onto watercolor paper. When exposed to UV light in contact with an enlarged negative, the gum Arabic hardens into an image that is "developed" in plain water. Where the light hits the most, the gum hardens the most and creates the shadow areas of the image. Where the light hits the least, the gum and pigment wash away, leaving the highlights. This process is carried out several times per print, adding layer upon layer of colored images.

By granting control over the color palette, this process invites creative experimentation and allows the same negative to be printed in radically different ways.

This workshop will be an excellent introduction to the gum process for beginners and intermediate gummists alike. It will cover digital negative preparation, sizing and shrinking paper, mixing solutions, coating, exposing, developing, and finishing prints, as well as expressive ways of using gum.
Schedule:
One-weekend Workshop:
Saturday & Sunday, 9am - 5pm
November 13 & 14
Materials Needed:
  • A handful of images on a computer, CD, or jump drive
  • Cheap variable mist spray bottle
  • Set of teaspoon measures
  • 8.5 x 11" negative/notebook storage sleeves (optional)
  • Apron (optional)
Prerequisite:

None. Knowledge of Photoshop helpful.
Class Fee:
  • $425 + lab fee of $50
Enrollment: Limited to 8
Deadline: Oct. 25
Instructor:

Christina Z. Anderson is Assistant Professor of Photography at Montana State University. Her expertise lies in 19th century processes in combination with 21st century state-of-the-art digital negative making. Her work centers upon the 21st century cultural landscape and has been exhibited in 50 shows in 20 states and abroad. Anderson is one of 16 national board members of the Society for Photographic Education (SPE) as well as an Educational Advisory Board member for Freestyle Photo. She has authored three books: Tutti Nudi: Reflections on the Reemergence of the Nude during the Italian Renaissance, The Experimental Photography Workbook, and Alternative Processes, Condensed.