At Last! After much experimentation I have found an image transfer method that works for me.
Turps and carbon copies was unsuccessful so I went back to the internet and discovered that a mix of turps, soap shavings and water is effective. I had no soap shavings to hand so first tried liquid soap with some good results but the transfer was not as vivid as I wanted. I then bought some soap and ‘shaved’ it. It took a while to get the consistancy right (it can only be described as gooey) but as you can see from the photo I am now able to transfer my images onto fabric. This method works well with standard prints as well so no need to photocopy images athough its worth noting they will be reversed. This process is also non-destructive so although the original image now looks worn it can still be used elsewhere.
A reletively good 2 days of exploring Monday means I also have another 500 images to edit. Note to self: double check maps BEFORE walking miles in the wrong direction!
I have had a busy week looking into image transfer methods.
The first and easiest one I discovered was the use of cellotape. Apply cellotape to the front of the image and simply turn over and rub away the paper using water. This produces a clear sticky transfer. Also works with sticky back plastic to produce larger images. (top left corner). You can also try masking tape and parcel tape. (bottom right corner). I tried turps which can be used to transfer images to fabric but this only works with xerox photocopies so I dont yet have any results.
As the sticky finish produced using tape was not suitable for my needs and does not transfer the image onto fabric I brought some acrylic medium and acrylic paint to try. Simply paint onto the image side of the desired image, place onto fabric image side down, burnish and ensure there are no air bubbles or large bits of medium. Once the transfer is dry again rub away the paper using water. (bottom left corner). Although this is very effective it is time consuming to remove the paper for large scale pieces.
I have had some more public interaction this week with over 20 sites added to my map so I will be busy visiting those in my spare time. I have also contacted the local press and prepared an advert to run which will hopefully encourage visitors to the gallery and public interaction with my project.
I am actually struggling with the amount of time I now have on my hands. Having spent the past 3 years working during the day and editing photos in the evenings and at weekends it is disorientating to have all day to work on my images and no outside commitments. However, I can use the mornings to visit the museum and process black and white images. My working day in the Gallery will then start later but I can stay on after closing to complete work if necessary.
I am also concerned that editing the images in large numbers will limit my creativity and result in similar effects being applied to all. I am therefore trying to break the work into smaller groups and vary the type of images I am working on.
The gallery is quieter than expected so I am considering advertising the project and inviting the public to come in and participate. I am feeling more comfortable with working in public although I initially felt very exposed. It is one thing to wander anonymously through a crowd at an exhibition of your images but to be sat working alongside them in a Gallery can be uncomfortable.
I have planned which sites to visit on my day off on Monday so will have to try and fix at least one black and white film camera in preparation. College starts again next week so I will have darkroom access and can process the films shot so far.
I travelled to the north of the island yesterday and visited a number of sites – taking over 600 photos! I must remember to take back up black and white cameras as they are prone to faults and I lost a lot of film yesterday. Whilst I am in favour of the occasional light leak, ruined film is costly in more ways than one.
Today I have been learning hanging techniques and assisting with the set up of the new show:
www.eileenschaer.com
I have backed up yesterdays images and am ready to begin the long process of editing.
I begin teaching again in a couple of weeks and will therefore have to begin lesson plans in my spare time and ensure I am well prepared for the year.
Spent the last two days installing myself in the residency area and now im ready to go. Waiting for delivery of my mapping pins and then I can start covering the map and locating sites to visit. In the meantime I have images to edit and I need to start collecting collage materials to add to the frames I have. Im really pleased with the layout ive achieved and the use of old picture frames to display my research in.
