Impressions of Nature with Lumen Prints

In this one-day workshop students will play with plants and light sensitive photo paper to create one-of-a-kind images. The lumen prints are made using photographic back and white paper and plant matter. The plants are laid directly on the photo paper, pressed under glass and exposed in the sun. Moisture from the plants, condensation, and hand applied liquids react with the paper producing fluid, colorful results. Each paper reacts differently depending on moisture, heat, UV intensity, and exposure time. Through this fun, unpredictable process we will create unique impressions of beauty.

Karen Hymer is a visual artist and educator living in Silver City, New Mexico. She holds BFA, MA and MFA degrees in fine art photography and has taught for over 25 years. She sees teaching as an opportunity to present new ways of experiencing the world through interaction with nature and image making. Karen’s current work explores the effects of time on the human body and various plant life. Her richly detailed photogravures emphasize the interplay of texture, pattern, light and shadow in muted earth tones. Her images are visually seductive; a poetic beauty is revealed in often overlooked subjects.

• Apron or old shirt

• Box 11" x 14" approximately to transport prints

Optional: plants to print with

• Black and White photo paper

• Safe boxes

• Chemicals

• Trays

• Tongs

• Gloves

• Glass