Course Overview

This process-based online course introduces participants to the process of emulsion lifts and transfers using Polaroid film. Emulsion—the light-sensitive layer within film—can be separated and transferred onto new surfaces when wet, creating unique textures, color shifts, and image distortions.

Through guided demonstrations, participants will learn to lift and transfer their images by hand, exploring how temperature, pacing, pressure, and surface choice affect the image, allowing distortion, translucency, and imperfection to become intentional elements rather than mistakes. As weeks progress, participants will experiment with sequencing, layering, hand manipulation, transferring onto alternative surfaces and objects, and subtle interventions such as tearing or folding. Group critiques and discussion will support reflection on process, materiality, and the evolving meaning of the photographic image once it has been deconstructed and then reconstructed.

This course is open to students of all levels. No experience is necessary for participation.

*Please note that film used for this process must be Polaroid brand - other brands such as Instax will not work. Polaroid i-type, Polaroid Go, 600 color, 600 black and white, SX-70 color, and SX-70 black and white film are all suitable for this process. Students should use polaroid cameras that are compatible with the stated film types.

Images © Cali Banks and previous Penumbra students

If your desired tuition option is unavailable, please email info@penumbrafoundation.org and we will do our best to accommodate you. If the entire class is sold out, we can add you to the waitlist.

Cali M. Banks is an interdisciplinary artist based in upstate NY. She holds an MFA in Interdisciplinary Media Arts Practices from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a BA in Art and Technology and Global Health Studies from Allegheny College. Banks' work explores personal and collective histories, relational intimacies, and the expansion of narrow, flattened definitions of indigenous art. She is interested in the idea of image-making as a time or record-keeper, and being able to manipulate that to recreate memories, history, and methods of healing. Cali is the Communications Coordinator for Light Work, and is also an Adjunct Professor of Photography, Video Art and Filmmaking for Syracuse University, Pratt Institute's Munson campus, and Indiana University campuses. Cali was a 2024 En Foco Photography Fellow, a 2024 Penumbra Foundation Workspace Resident, and received the Fall 2024 Visionary Project Award from Film Photo Award. In recent times, Banks has exhibited work during Art Basel Miami and Every Woman Biennial London, and other notable venues such as Smack Mellon, RedLine Contemporary Art Center, Tiger Strikes Asteroid Philadelphia, Atlanta Film Festival, and Anthology Film Archives, including a solo exhibition at the Everson Museum of Art. Her work has also been published on Lomography, Lenscratch, and Rolling Stone France.

A minimum of three students is required for all courses to run. In most cases, our registration deadline is 24 hrs prior to the start time of a workshop/class. If there is a workshop/class you would like to register for but it is not listed or if you have questions, please contact griffin@penumbrafoundation.org.

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