Historical and Natural Alternative Processes in Photography
Course Description
Summary
This 2-credit course will explore working with classical and natural alternative processes including Cyanotypes, Anthotypes, and Chlorophyll prints among others. Students will learn the histories of each process and see how artists are working with those processes in today’s day and age. The Cyanotypes will be produced on fine art paper and fabric, and the Anthotypes will be produced with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and plants. The Chlorophyll prints made in class will be produced with leaves from around campus along with leaves sourced from tropical plants. Some processes are unstable and prone to fading while others will hold up well as an archival print, so students will learn to work with the ephemerality to their advantage. The production of digital negatives and the digitization of the prints produced will be imperative in creating a physical record and archiving them digitally.
Learning Outcomes
- Successfully produce Cyanotypes, Anthotypes, and Chlorophyll prints among other alternative processes
- Create digital negatives that are optimized for each type of printing
- Make informed decisions on what should be printed for each process
- Learn the history of each process and learn of artists who have used the processes historically and contemporarily
- Digitize each print produced in class for online publication and build a personal archive
- Engage in meaningful and respectful discussion and critiques about student work produced in the class
Prerequisites
Successful completion of Foundations of Photography (Digital or Analog), or another 4-credit 2000 level photography course. Qualifying students should email the instructor with a written statement about why taking the course is important for fulfilling their Plan in Visual Art.
Please contact the faculty member : eddyaldana@bennington.edu