Radical Darkroom: Chemigrams

Age: 18+

Dat: Wednesday November 20

Time: 6:30 - 9:30 PM

Cost: M $50 and NM $55

Instructor: Sonya de Laat

While rooted in principles of black and white photography, chemigrams are a radically different and creative darkroom technique. Using resists and objects to manipulate light and darkroom chemistry onto photographic paper and film, you’ll come away with one-of-a-kind archival images. Your experimentation with different applications of darkroom techniques will result in diverse shades, colours and shapes caused by shadows and chemical reactions creating images that are as representational or abstract as you determine. All the while, you’ll develop fundamental darkroom proficiencies including respect for chemicals, darkroom safety, history of black and white photography, and a basic understanding of the physics and chemistry of analogue photography.

When attending any of our public programs please consider bringing non-perishable food and hygiene products to donate to the Burlington Food Bank. Like so many communities, Burlington has seen an alarming 20% increase in the need for assistance with groceries over the last year. We are collecting community contributions to support the food bank’s efforts in meeting the growing demand for food security.

About the Instructor:

Sonya de Laat is a Hamilton-based photographer drawn to the medium’s many creative, social, and political potentials. After years of working and experimenting with different digital photography treatments, she has found a renewed sense of creative flow through exploration of nineteenth century photography techniques and alternative photography methods. She is an active member of the Latow Photographers Guild, housed within the Art Gallery of Burlington, currently acting as the guild’s secretary. Sonya has a Diploma in Photography from Algonquin College, and degrees in Anthropology (McMaster) and Media Studies (Western), where she focused on developing professional photography skills and studied histories of humanitarian photography. When not engaging in her creative photography practice, she works as a Research Associate at McMaster University and a Historical Interpreter at Whitehern Historical House & Garden for the City of Hamilton.

COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY: Please review the AGB's COVID-19 safety guidelines on our website before attending your first class. We ask that all visitors self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before arrival. If you are experiencing any symptoms, please do not come to class.

ATTIRE: Your clothing will get messy from the materials and media utilized in your class so please dress appropriately or bring an apron. Also, closed-toe shoes are mandatory.

ALLERGIES OR SPECIAL NEEDS? Important - Notify us on your registration if the student has an allergy, health concerns, or a learning exception that could impact participation in the class. We would like to remind you that we are a nut-free facility.

Host or Publisher Art Gallery of Burlington