T16. Photo Transfer with Carola Etche

In this workshop, participants will explore the photo transfer technique through a practical and technical approach, combining historical context, image preparation, surface selection, and finishing processes. The session begins with a historical overview, tracing references from Chinese lacquer, Italian arte povera lacquer, and French decoupage, leading to the emergence and evolution of photo transfer.Participants will learn how to select and prepare different surfaces, understand key lighting parameters within the image, and carry out color testing. The workshop also introduces image preparation in Photoshop and the differences between laser and inkjet printing, highlighting the advantages and creative possibilities of each method.Different working methods across a variety of supports will be addressed, including ceramic tiles, porcelain, paving stones, rubble, fabrics, metals, mirrors, glass, and wood. The focus is on adapting the process to each material and understanding its specific challenges.The process concludes with the final finishing of the piece using gloss or matte effects, along with guidance on conservation, references to national and international artists, live demonstrations, and hands on practice. The aim is to complete a finished piece while gaining a full overview of the technique.

Outline

1. Historical introduction: Chinese lacquer, Italian arte povera lacquer, French decoupage, and the emergence of photo transfer
2. Evolution of the photo transfer technique
3. Selection of surfaces and preparation of supports for image transfer
4. Lighting parameters to consider in the image
5. Color testing
6. Preparing images in Photoshop for printing
7. Laser vs. inkjet printing: differences, benefits, and possibilities
8. Working methods and complexities across different supports: ceramic tile, porcelain, paving stone, rubble, fabric, metal, mirror, glass, wood, etc
9. Final finishing of the piece: gloss or matte effects
10. National and international references working with this technique
11. Conservation methods for the works
12. Practical demonstrations led by the artist
13. Hands on practice by participants on different materials

Participantes deben traer:

• Cuatro imágenes impresas en láser sobre papel común de fotocopia tamaño A4, como el que se utiliza habitualmente en impresoras domésticas.

De todas maneras, al llegar al taller también contarán con fotografías impresas para trabajar, por lo que podrán experimentar con otras imágenes.Las especificaciones técnicas de impresión se explicarán durante el taller.