Re: UV Sources

martine sherril (martine@wfu.edu)
Mon, 27 Nov 1995 10:11:26 -0500 (EST)

> Keith,
> This is a bit off your topic, but your message shows an interest in
> alternative photographic techniques, so I hope you'll indulge me.
> I've just recently come across a brief mention, in an (art) printmaking
> book, about the technique called "cliche verre," whereby you paint on glass
> or clear acetate with transparent photo retouching dyes. You then use the
> resulting 'slide' to produce an enlargement, or even a large contact print.
> Are you familiar with this technique, and can you recommend a good book
> (or perhaps even a good magazine article) on it? Do you know of fine arts
> photographers currently using this technique with some success? Have you
> run across anyone on the internet who's shown some interest in it?
> I'd appreciate any tips you (or anyone else reading this) can give me on
> the technique.
>
> TIA,
> Peter Bacon
> kato@cts.com
>
Hello, Peter!

I'm a lurker here on alt.photo, being that I am no longer actively
using my darkroom due to a new passion for horseback riding.
But I like to read about it and keep up with new techniques.

Several years ago I experimented with cliche verre techniques. I'd
only heard about it (never studied or seen any) but I took off with it
anyway. Being able to draw and paint certainly helps, and I tried a
wide variety of media. One of my favorite methods was to take exposed
Kodalith film and etch a "picture" by scraping away the emulsion. This
was then contact printed, and the image has the effect of a woodcut
print. Many people actually thought that's what it was.

I did paint on glass in the traditional way also, and experimented with
the effects caused by shifting the light source slightly to cast a "shadow".
Pairing this technique with photogramming objects on the paper created
some interesting images. The possibilities are endless!
I used it in a course I taught called photography without a camera.
Now I'm getting inspired again, oh no!

Martine Sherrill
martine@wfu.edu