Saturday

July 19

10 AM - 6 PM

Class Size Max: 10

This one-day workshop 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.

The workshop begins with a photo walk, where participants will capture images using Polaroid cameras provided by Brooklyn Film Camera. During the walk, participants will be encouraged to collect organic materials such as leaves, rocks, and wood to experiment with as transfer surfaces. In the darkroom, they will first learn to transfer images onto watercolor paper before exploring alternative surfaces. Emphasis will be placed on experimentation and creative play throughout the process.

Each participant will receive one box of Polaroid film. Participants are encouraged to bring additional film* to shoot during class, Polaroid images shot at least 24 hours in advance (to compare the effects of transferring dried versus fresh emulsions), and any materials for further manipulation, such as paints, inks, stickers, thread, needles, or alternative surfaces for transfers.

*Please note that any additional film brought in 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.

Tuition includes a $30 materials fee.

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.

Images © Cali M. Banks

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR