T18. Explorations in Cliché-Verre with Daniel Hojnacki

In this workshop, participants will explore the use of cliché-verre, a hybrid printing process that combines drawing and photography into a single image making technique. The session presents this historical method as a bridge between hand-made gesture and light sensitive photographic materials. Participants will learn how to produce silver gelatin photographs and lumen prints using drawings, rubbings, and transfers onto transparent surfaces. The focus is on shaping the passage of light through opaque materials such as smoke soot, ink, and paint. Through contact printing, photograms, and cliché-verre plates, participants will develop a visual language based on tonal transitions and expressive mark making. The workshop emphasizes hands-on experimentation inside the darkroom and is open to all levels.

Outline

1. Introduction to the history of cliché-verre and its uses over time
2. Walk through and demonstration of darkroom controls
3. Demonstration of cliché-verre drawing tools, materials, and their interaction with light
4. Application of materials using paint, ink, smoke soot, and found materials, individually or in combination
5. Further experimentation with light through solarization and lumen printing
6. Clean up and discussion of the final prints

*Participants must bring:

• Any specific drawing tools or palette knives you would like to use. A range of materials will also be provided.
• Photographs you would like to translate into drawings as cliché verre prints.
• Negatives that you are comfortable scratching, cutting, or altering for experimentation.
• Extra silver gelatin paper of your choice.
• Resists or drawing materials, such as sand, paints, inks, or household items like honey, syrup, nail polish, etc.