Media Arts

Polaroid Lifts & Transfers

In this workshop, you will move images beyond traditional prints with several photographic transfer techniques: gel medium transfers, packing tape transfers, and Polaroid emulsion lifts. Through step-by-step demonstrations and guided experimentation, you’ll discover how each transfer method produces its own distinctive textures and imperfections. With Polaroid emulsion lift, you will learn how to separate the delicate photographic emulsion from its backing and manipulate it while suspended in water. Stretch, fold, wrinkle, or reshape the image to create dreamlike distortions, flowing forms, and one-of-a-kind compositions before transferring it onto a new surface. Participants are encouraged to further personalize their work by incorporating drawing, painting, collage, text, and other mixed-media elements.