RE: Bleach-development with gum
Loris, Any chance you would try this method with gelatin and a layer of gum on top, unhardened gelatin? A thick cushy layer? In other words, make a carbon print with a gum or albumen layer and then the 6% hypochlorite solution? I just wonder if the Javel works best with a recalcitrant layer like gelatin/carbon printing. I mean, I can't IMAGINE exposing a print outside all day for 6 hr and expecting to get something, but with a thick, highly pigmented gelatin layer maybe this is possible. I suppose that is a question for Sandy or John to answer. Your running/staining you described was exactly what Demachy and Anderson wanted--it gave them a "broken color" as they termed it, effect which we now, of course, call "impressionism". They called for exposing the layer briefly so that upon a short development there was a slight running of the layer to blur the outlines and mush the image a bit. So that might be something for you to cultivate! I will try that method shortly. Anyway, since you are experimenting in the dimroom here are two other things for you to try. I'm sure you have lots of extra time :) BTW, if you are getting flaking with sizing, have you tried to decrease your gelatin strength a bit and make sure the sizing penetrates the paper instead of sticks on top? It may be that your surface is too slick. However, if stain or low contrast is not an issue for you, then scratch this suggestion because you wouldn't need to size then. Chris Assistant Professor of Photography Photography Option Coordinator Montana State University College of Arts and Architecture Department of Media and Theatre Arts, Room 220 P.O. Box 173350 Bozeman, MT 59717-3350 Tel (406) 994 6219 CZAphotography.com |