Offered in conjunction with Phytogenesis II Symposium and the NEPN SHIFTS project.
Join Hannah Fletcher of the Sustainable Darkroom for a free, online workshop in Soil Chromatography.
Soil Chromatography is a form of imaging components and minerals held within the soil. This workshop crosses the boundary between art and science, using the process of chromatography and the light sensitivity of silver nitrate.
Participants of this workshop are encouraged to gather a variety of soil samples for the workshop to diversify your experience. You will grind down these samples to use in the printmaking process. This is combined with silver nitrate to create a light sensitive surface, which is then used to create a photographic record of the components held within each solution. As the solution spreads across the circular filter paper, organic matter is separated and a natural banding effect is created.
Max Participants: 25
You will be emailed the Zoom link upon registration.
Participants will ideally make alongside Hannah during the session or can follow the instructions at a later date.
Materials required for participation:
- Raw Silver Nitrate (1gram) (available at sites like: https://www.amertek.co.uk/product/silver-nitrate/)
- Sodium hydroxide
- A selection of dry soil and earth samples
- Sieve
- Pestle and mortar
- Circular Filter papers (these must be lab work filters, not coffee filters etc.)
- Small, shallow dishes x 6 (these dishes must be smaller than the diameter of your filter paper)
- 0.5 precision weighing scales
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Water (distilled preferable)
- Pegs and a line for drying
For more information on artist Hannah Fletcher and the Sustainable Darkroom please visit: https://www.hannahfletcher.com/the-sustainable-darkroom/
You can book for the associated symposium, Phytogenesis II: Provocations of Plants, Philosophy and Photography on 23 March, here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/phytogenesis-ii-symposium-tickets-274187812127. The Symposium is programmed by Carole Baker and Marjolaine Ryley and is supported by Plymouth University, Newcastle University’s Institute for Creative Arts Practice and NEPN.
Image © Hannah Fletcher.
Access: Please let us know about any access requirements you have when you book your ticket or by emailing: nepn@sunderland.ac.uk. This event can be supported by a British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter – let us you know and we can book.