Solar Plate Workshop

Workshop Details

This workshop will explore the solarplate printing process. Participants will compose an image on a 4 x 5-inch solarplate, expose and develop the plate, and print the plate by the end of the session. Participants should bring a design/image to the workshop that is ready to be put on the solarplate. A design can be prepared on a transparency film, opaque film/drafting film, or on thin glass. For this workshop it is recommended that designs and images are printed onto transparencies in black ink and are at least the size of the solarplate, 4 x 5 inches. For best results, images and designs should be high contrast and in black and white. Any line or mark made on the transparent material will appear dark with intaglio printing, or white with relief printing. Unlike traditional relief and intaglio methods, there is no need to compose an image in reverse in solarplate printing. Also, keep in mind that portions of the process will be held outside in the sun, please plan accordingly (sun glasses recommended).

About the artist:

Susanne is a native Akron printmaker and photographer who completed her fine art and psychology degree at Otterbein University in 2011. She is currently a student at Kent State University completing coursework in public health. Her prints are influenced by nature, animals, and aspects of psychology and human nature. Susanne was first introduced to solarplates in a printmaking class in 2010. After the printing the plate and learning the process, she became enamored with the technique and the possibilities of combining photography and printmaking processes.