Polaroid Transfer Art

My first visual experience with the image/emulsion transfer was in 1992 and it just "blew me away"; it challenged every preconceived idea I had about instant imagery! I had to "have" this process, and I went after it like a "crazed man" for over two years, trying to learn every nuance.

I worked with watercolor papers, handmade papers, vellum, rice papers, glass, ceramic tiles, fabric, paper bags, even old book pages. I painted, drew or wrote on them with water colors, oils, Prismacolor pencils, or charcoal. I tore them to pieces and sewed them back together. I combined several tranfers into single images. In short, I "tasted" every possible visual combination I could image.

For Image Transfers, I always soak watercolor paper at 100 degrees for 30 minutes prior to the transfer. After exposing the film normally, I let it develop approximately 10 to 15 seconds prior to "peeling" and then, carefully roll it onto the wet watercolor paper. At that point, I continuously apply pressure to the "sandwich" for approximately 4 minutes before making the "pull" from the watercolor paper.

For Emulsion Transfers, I usually just dampen whatever material I'm using for the transfer, unless it's nonporous. After exposing the film normally, I let it develop fully -- approximately 90 seconds; then, let it sit for at least a couple of days before applying a "backing" to the print.

At that point, I "soak" the print in a hot water bath (I use an old electric skillet) for approximately 4 minutes prior to "slipping" it into a cold water bath. There I "peel" the emulsion from the backing of the film and carefully "lay" it on whatever material I'm using for the transfer -- in this case, watercolor paper. Then, I just "play" with the image by "moving" it around -- stretching it; shaping it; working the edges.