Polaroid Transfers - Winter 2027

In this hands-on workshop, learn about the alternative process known as Polaroid emulsion lifts (aka: Polaroid transfers) and discover the vast creative avenues the medium opens up. Students can expect to learn how to transfer Polaroid images onto a variety of surfaces, including fabric, paper, and even sculptural pieces. The course includes a brief lecture on alternative Polaroid processes, a demonstration of the emulsion lift technique, and plenty of hands-on practice time. Students are encouraged to arrive with digital files of their images on a cellular device (taken on any camera), which we will print onto Polaroid film; both color and black and white Polaroid film will be available for use during the workshop. All other materials, including substrates like watercolor paper and tea towels, will be provided. Participants are also encouraged, but not required, to bring their own substrates (paper, scrap fabric, objects, etc.) to transfer images onto.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Understand the physical/chemical make-up of a polaroid image.
• Overview the creative world of alternative Polaroid processes.
• Hands-on practice making Polaroid transfers onto a variety of surfaces, including paper, fabric, and even sculptural objects.
• Discover the delicate interplay of intentionality and spontaneity inherent to the medium.

Images © Annie Reierson