Chemigrams & Photograms

Chemigrams & Photograms

This weeks task was to experiment with the techniques of both chemigrams and photograms, showing a final image for our blog together with an insight into the creative process behind the technique.  The chemigram process is an artistic technique that involves the use of photographic materials and chemicals to produce images on light sensitive paper with photograms using the same technique without the use of a camera.  The basic idea of a chemigram is that photographic paper is alternately & repeatedly exposed to both developer and fixer. Areas of the paper exposed to developer first will turn a shade of black (since the paper is fully saturated with light), and areas of the paper exposed to fixer first will be predominantly white.

Artist images

Whilst completing my artist research I stumbled upon the above image which I thought was an interesting shot to use as inspiration.  I loved the bold use of shape and colour within this image and although not highly detailed or intricate, still gave a striking final image.  The lines in the frame are quite chaotic and I liked this effect which I thought would fit in quite well with this technique as there are no strict barrier's as to what could be achieved.  As there are so many factors which can influence the resulting image, I will be able to experiment with different methods to try and find the most pleasing result.

The Creation Process

Initially, we began by selecting light sensitive paper, to which we then applied resist.  This would be the base for our overall resulting image, therefore, we were able to be creative in how this was applied using different tools including sponges and our hands to hopefully produce different effects. We could either coat the paper completely, or just partially in order to create different effects.  We then left the paper to stand for approximately 30 seconds to ensure the pattern would stay put when submerged in the chemicals. 

The second step was to place our paper into either the developer or fixer, whilst moving the chemicals to ensure the development was even across the sheet. We let the paper soak for a short amount of time in order for the process to be successful.  If desired, we could physically rub away at the resist a little, or just let the chemicals slowly dissolve it.

We then took the paper out of the tray and put it in the plain water tray to wash off chemicals. Once washed, we put the paper into the other chemical, and again rubbed the resist for the desired effect.
By repeating this method, switching between the developer and fixer each time, we continued until all the resist has gone away and then put the paper into the fixer for a final time. With the final fix done, we washed the print in a fresh bath of water to remove all trace of chemicals.

My Photograph

This is my final Image which i created. I used my hand to create the finger prints, and then also used a paint brush to add the speckled affect on the page.   I liked the way that by using different utensils and your own hands, you could change the whole image produced.

I really enjoyed exploring this new technique as can see that , if mastered, could produce some really stunning and interesting images.  The shapes created were not only unusual, they were also at times, completely unintentional, which I thought made the technique altogether more exciting.