Digital Alchemy: Printmaking techniques for fine art, photography, and mixed media

4. Introduction to Gel and SuperSauce

Until recently, artists could use Polaroid transfers to create a unique form of art. A Polaroid transfer is created by developing the image, peeling off the backing, and then applying the image to a paper substrate—transferring the photo emulsion to the paper. The artist was then free to alter the image as desired. Unfortunately, with the demise of Polaroid film this technique is largely unavailable to most artists, so I set out to develop alternatives. The result gave me processes that keep the emulsion liquid for long enough to manipulate it, much like what was possible with the Polaroid film.

For these ...