P h o t o g r a p h I c E t c h I n g

(from Solar Plates)

Next available Workshop Dates:

July 9 & 10 2005. 9.30 am - 4.30 pm

 

The Baldessin Press is now offering weekend workshops in Photo Etching, also known as Solar Plate Printmaking. These workshops are an introduction to the many and varied applications of non-toxic, photosensitive plates. An ideal workshop for photographers wanting to explore photogravure, a non-silver alternative process that produces the most exquisite rich and velvety tones on fine art papers. Workshops are run at the Baldessin Press, a unique bluestone etching studio, located 50 kilometres north of Melbourne in the natural bushland of St Andrews. The press was originally built by George Baldessin (1939-1978), one of Australia's most renowned printmakers. Workshops are suitable for beginners through to practiced printmakers. Class numbers are kept to a maximum of only six students to ensure the highest standard of educational excellence. B & B accommodation on the premises is also available.

Course Content: The workshop content may vary according to the need of participants. The following topics will be covered. Different means of producing a positive negative (transparency) for contact printing. Combining photographic material with hand drawn materials. Exposure through 'photogram' method . Exposure guidelines for best results. Single and double exposure methods will be covered. Plate washing methods. Open etching - how to control . Intaglio and relief printing with and without colour. Participants will produce a small edition of prints. The printing process is taught by first proofing the plate and then moving on to the finished editioned prints. A secondary edition of coloured prints from the same image is the final stage of the workshop. For photographers wishing to explore the possibilities of solar plates as an alternative non-silver process, we will also cover relevant topics such as different types of contact negatives for optimum results.

About the tutors:

Silvi Glattauer      
Silvi is a professional practicing photographer with a particular interest in non-silver  alternative processes. Silvi applied the use of solar plates during her final 
stage of studies at Photography Studies College and has continued to explore and refine the process. She finds that the combination of traditional printmaking 
with photographic images gives the work an added dimension that further develops the use of photography in fine art practice. Silvi also has a background in 
the Adult Education Sector with extensive experience in co-ordinating and running workshops. Silvi comes to this workshop with a combination of skills 
in education, photography and printmaking. 

Doug Hails
Doug began his printmaking career as student and studio assistant to George Baldessin. He went on to become a teacher/technician at RMIT School of Art,
 etching printer for the Crossley Print Workshop, exhibiting artist printmaker, and now, Master Printer at the Baldessin Press. Doug studied print making at 
RMIT under Tate Adams and George Baldessin. He has printed editioned prints for the National Gallery of Australia and various Australian artists. Doug has
 exhibited extensively in Australia and overseas. In 2001 he established the Baldessin Press in conjunction     with Tess Edwards Baldessin. 

Materials Provided :All materials are provided in the cost of this workshop, including editioning paper, solar plate (enough to produce two 5 x 7 inch images), newsprint, proofing paper and inks. Any extra printing paper of various > grades, textures and quality can be supplied by the participant. Participants are expected to produce their own transparency before workshop commences.

Please contact Silvi on 9718 1379 for details of the workshop.

What to Bring: Transparencies . Extra paper (optional) . Apron . Surgical gloves . Lunch (tea & coffee provided) Enrolments Places fill quickly. You are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Reserve your place by ringing Silvi Glattauer on 0417 377 962.

Cost: $310 - A $50 deposit will be required to secure an enrolment. Balance of course fee is payable no later than commencement of first class. Refunds A course fee refund will be given if: *A class in which you are enrolled is cancelled. *Notice of your withdrawal from a class is given at least 2 weeks in advance If you have any queries on the above information please ring:

Silvi Glattauer: 9718 1379 or 0417 377 962 or E-mail : silviglattauer@optusnet.com.au