This workshop provides participants a basic introduction to the chemistry, tools and techniques necessary to print permanent cyanotype images on various outdated or new 16mm film stocks. Direct printing techniques highlight the use of pre-exposed archival or found footage film, plant materials and various objects serving as ‘image sources'. Sunlight and water are the primary means for developing beautifully rich and highly detailed 16mm imagery without the use of cameras or extensive lab processing.

This relatively simple approach utilizes techniques and knowledge gleaned from the artist/filmmaker (and founder of the Handmade Film Institute) Robert Schaller during the Handmade Filmmaking Workshop John attended on Orcas Island in 2015. Students will receive information on the history of cyanotype, techniques for making their own cyanotype chemistry, as well as how to source and use simple pre-made off-the-shelf chemistry solutions.

The goal of the workshop is to enable participants to utilize this simple filmmaking technique in a home lab environment, encouraging the use of recycled and outdated films stocks, minimal photochemistry and inexpensive exposure equipment for immediate, accessible cameraless filmmaking experimentation.

The workshop will provide all the materials necessary for demonstrating the techniques used to create cyanotype 16mm films, and we will as a group (sunlight depending) create our own exposed material to view at the end of the workshop.

While some additional basic film handling and editing techniques will be covered, including projecting hand-made 16mm films, the workshop is limited in scope to a basic introduction to the process.