Lumen Printing & Book Making with Environmental Consciousness (ASC168)

Explore lumen printing and book making with environmental consciousness, to collaboratively create a simple book.

What will you learn on this course?

Discover how to create lumen prints with elements of nature, and how to bind your chosen selection of prints into a simple handmade book. The course will consider sustainable and environmentally conscious methods of print and book production.

Lumen printing is the photographic process of placing an object on a piece of light-sensitive paper and exposing it to sunlight.

Be inspired by a visit to MAC’s exhibition by artist Clare Hewitt (on display Sat 18 Apr – Mon 31 Aug) whose work is informed by the interconnectedness of oak trees and how we, as humans, might learn from the networks of kinship and care found in the natural world.

During this course, you will learn:
•    About Clare Hewitt and Emily Macaulay’s collaborative process of producing a biodegradable photobook  
•    How to decide which elements of nature work well for lumen printing
•    How to create a lumen print
•    How to bind books using a variety of techniques 
•    How to scan and print lumen prints
•    How to create a simple sequence of images for a book with images produced by you and your fellow workshop participants
•    How to bind selected images into a book
•    What equipment is required if you decide to continue the process at home 
•    Health and Safety at all stages 

Lumen printing is an experimental technique, and due to the unpredictability of the process, uniform results cannot be expected, but each print is entirely unique and results are always creative.

Using your newly acquired skills from practical testing, handouts, and demonstrations, you will create your own book with the lumen prints produced by you and your fellow workshop participants, to take home as a memento of the course.

Photographic paper, print making materials, and book making materials are all supplied for you. 

Who is this course for? 

This course is for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to beginners and improvers. It is suitable for people who are both completely new to lumen printing and book making and those who wish to develop their skills further. 

At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support.

Do you need to bring anything?

•    Up to three elements of nature from your home or garden that feel important to you. Flat objects that can be placed in a photo frame, such as leaves or small flowers work well. 
•    Paper from home that would otherwise be recycled. This should be clean. This paper may be used to print your book with, so consider whether you would like it to be plain or if you would like to experiment with printing onto paper that already has text / imagery on it. 
•    A notebook and a pen to make notes
•    We may venture out into the park to collect natural materials so please wear clothing appropriate for the weather conditions. 

Are there any additional costs?

There are no additional costs.

Who teaches this course?

Clare Hewitt & Emily Macaulay