Mordançage is an emulsion lift technique developed in the 1970’s by French photographer Jean-Pierre Sudre, which evolved from the 19th century process of bleach-etching. In this workshop we will introduce participants to the fundamentals of mordançage and how it can be applied to 16mm moving image film. A copper-based bleach is used to lift emulsion off the film, creating eerie bubbles, veils and textures. We will discuss the components of the chemistry, as well as the steps of developing and bleaching as they apply to both black and white and colour film. Participants will shoot film on a Bolex camera, develop it and treat it with mordançage. We will also experiment painting on film and other ways to explore the nuances of this haunting process. We will end the weekend by screening our films.

Programme

In this hands-on workshop, participants will:

– Learn the basics of shooting with 16mm film camera

– Learn the history, chemistry, and creative possibilities of mordançage

– Experiment with the process on black and white and colour motion picture film

– Explore techniques for lifting and reshaping emulsion veils for moving images

– Gain guidance on preparing film materials for mordançage, including how to shoot and develop for best results

All necessary film, chemistry and tools will be provided during the workshop, but participants are also encouraged to bring their own prints or film reels to experiment with.

Ella Morton is a visual artist and filmmaker living in Tkarón:to/Toronto. Her expedition-based practice has brought her to residencies and projects across Canada, Scandinavia, Greenland and Antarctica. She uses experimental analogue processes to capture the sublime and fragile qualities of remote landscapes. She earned a BFA from Parsons School of Design (New York) and an MFA from York University (Toronto). She has exhibited her work internationally, including shows at Lonsdale Gallery (Toronto), Foley Gallery (New York), 516 Arts (Albuquerque, NM), Contemporary Calgary (Calgary), Galérie AVE (Montréal), SPAO Gallery, (Ottawa), the Turchin Center for the Arts (Boone, NC), Photographic Center Northwest (Seattle) and Hanstholm Art Space (Denmark). Her films have screened internationally, including the Vancouver International Film Festival, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Montreal International Documentary Festival and the Alchemy Film & Media Arts Festival, among others. Her practice has been supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the National Film Board of Canada and the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto.

Limited amount of participants - 10 people

Register by sending us an email to: balticanaloglab@gmail.com

Participation fee: 70 EUR

Supported by Latvian Culture Capital Foundation