*NEW* Chemigrams: Painting with Light and Chemistry
Taste of Art-Photography | Available
Explore the experimental darkroom process of chemigrams in this hands-on, two-week workshop. Blending aspects of photography, painting, and darkroom chemistry, chemigrams are created without a camera or enlarger—using developer, fixer, and resist materials to produce richly textured, abstract images directly on photographic paper. Working in Sawtooth’s darkroom, students will learn how to manipulate chemistry to create dynamic patterns, tonal shifts, and organic forms. This process encourages spontaneity and discovery, offering a unique way to engage with photographic materials beyond traditional image-making.
What You’ll Learn
- Fundamentals of the chemigram process
- Safe handling of darkroom chemistry
- Using resists (wax, oil, varnish) to control development
- Building layers, texture, and contrast
- Timing and sequencing chemical reactions for visual effect
Structure (2 Classes. 2 Hours each class)
- Introduction & Demonstration: History, process, and safety
- Technique Exploration: Applying resists and initial chemical interactions
- Hands-On Studio Time: Creating multiple chemigrams with guidance
- Refinement & Discussion: Selecting and evaluating results
What to Bring
(All photographic paper and chemistry provided.)
Outcome
Students will leave with a collection of unique chemigrams and a deeper appreciation for experimental darkroom techniques that merge photography with painterly processes.
Chloe Plumb
Chloe Plumb has been experimenting in alternative photo art ever since she felt the need in 2016 to expand the types of fun she was having in the color and black-and-white darkrooms. As an ongoing Teacher's Assistant for the various film and alternative photography classes in New York's International Center of Photography, she both printed her own film photography and taught others to print. During her university years at UNC-Chapel Hill, she frequently taught groups of students how to use the darkroom, first serving 2 years as Darkroom Manager of the school's Photography Club, then as President. Currently she is focused on scanning and organizing her thousands of photograms so that others can finally see what she has gained so much fulfillment over the years in making!