I vividly remember that first Provence meeting in 1983 when I heard Jean-Pierre Sudre say, “In mordançage you have the possibility….” For the next 30 summers I visited his studio and work discovering them all learning the process in 1991 directly from this master. In this workshop we shall begin with a brief history of the mordançage process, looking at original work by Sudre, Denis Brihat and others as we gather valuable insight into directions for making it your own creative voice.
Together we mix the chemistry and begin with an instructor demonstration on understanding the test strips to discover proper exposures for negatives and working with photograms, the best way to learn the possibilities. Mordançage takes time to master when working with intent and begins with a darkroom print. Information on making negatives, film or digital, and materials to bring shall be sent prior to the workshop. You will discover, when the silver print is put through the mordançage solution, the silver gelatin in the densest areas of the photographic print swell and can be removed with the pressure of a jet of water or cotton ball. Darkroom days will be spent testing various paper and redeveloper combinations, experimenting with oxidation, toners and hand painting to alter color, and deciding to save or not to save the veils. Often, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Papers, chemicals and notebooks with formulas will be supplied.
After 30 years of committing to the mordançage process, Elizabeth has many possibilities, pitfalls and discoveries to share. Working collectively with a group of photographic peers, students can combine information on papers available today to further enhance their creativity. Experimenting is highly encouraged. A working knowledge of the darkroom is essential
As artists, we much each find our way and hope to leave something of value behind. The “draped spidery veils” in the images are my contribution to this process, accomplished by using my breathe or drops of water to preserve and alter the delicate floating silver skin. As such, each piece is unique and truly made by hand.
7079 Hwy 83 N | Condon, MT 59826
Call to inquire about Workshops - (800) 922-5255 - or email: formulary@blackfoot.net
Mordançage
With Elizabeth Opalenik
July 4-9, 2021
Registration Deadline: June 4, 2021
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Elizabeth Opalenik lives and works in Oakland, California, but this peripatetic artist is often on the move. As a photographic artist, she believes that all good photographs are self portraits that lie somewhere between imagination and dreams. Her 40 year career has found her teaching and making images on six continents, seeking the beauty and grace that exists within all things. Elizabeth conducts photographic portrait, figure and mordançage workshops, creating a sense of wonder and possibility in her students.
Elizabeth’s heart is in her Oakland, California darkroom where she creates unique photographs in the Mordançage process, continuing to pioneer new possibilities with the signature veiled images. Platinum/palladium printing, hand-painting, carbon printing and other diverse processes including paper making for books and printing remain a focus. From portraits to landscapes, her passion is working with images made involving water. She remains true to creating images in camera, but bridges technology, mixing digital and traditional when appropriate to utilize all the creative possibilities. Elizabeth uses images as stepping stones that trace where the mind has been, believing they reflect the unique vision that each of us carries through life.
Her innovative images are represented, collected and shown internationally and have been profiled in most major photographic publications. For nearly 30 years, she has conducted photography workshops privately and in conjunction with The Maine Media Workshops, Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, The British Guild of Portrait Photographers, Les Rencontres d’Arles, and National Geographic Expeditions among others and through Gold Street Studios has brought Mordançage to Australia and China. Her sensibility and grace extends to philanthropic projects with Medical Ministry International Canada working with eye care in the Amazon and South America.
Following a life-long dream, she published her first monograph, Poetic Grace-Elizabeth Opalenik Photographs 1979-2007. Her website is www.elizabethopalenik.com. During the pandemic Elizabeth conjured into existence another book, Workshop Stories: changed through photography utilizing the connections made throughout her teaching career. It features stories and images by over 100 instructors sharing inspiration about workshops starting in the 1960s through today. (Tim Rudman recounts a story about the Photographers Formulary and an encounter with a bear.) The website is www.workshopstories.com.
Workshop Fee:
$895.00
(does not include food & lodging)
Save up to 25% off tuition with a combination of any 2 of the following discounts:
Early Bird Discount:
An early registration by the 30th of April 2021 qualifies for a 15% discount on your workshop tuition.
Back to Back Discount:
Register and attend two classes consecutively and . receive a 10% discount off the second weeks tuition
Bring a Friend Discount 10% off available when you both sign up for the same workshop.
