Radical Darkroom: Lumen Prints

Age: 18+

Dat: Wednesday June 26

Time: 6:30 - 9:30 PM

Cost: M $50 and NM $55

Instructor: Sonya De Laat

Lumen printing goes back to the very early history of photography and is a simple process with endless potential to make breathtaking and unique archival photographic images. This workshop in the AGB darkroom invites you to make unique, hand-printed images that reflect family, childhood, personal or collective memory by using objects with recognizable silhouettes, or material that bends light or creates suggestive shadows. 

In this workshop, we’ll use translucent or graphic objects such as fabrics, flowers, stencils and glassware, alongside any objects you may choose to bring, and discover the ways light travels or is refracted through objects and resists to create evocative, emotional and energizing images. Through this creative and playful technique, you’ll develop skills fundamental to traditional darkroom proficiencies including respect for chemicals, darkroom safety, 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