The Art of Terrains: Soil Chromatography Portraits

Saturday, March 10th, 2024 11am - 4 pm

Instructor: Gul Cevikoglu

Embarking on a journey that bridges the realms of art and science, this workshop delves into the captivating world of chromatography. Participants are encouraged to embark on a soil-sampling adventure, gathering diverse soil specimens to enrich their workshop experience. These collected samples will transform as they are meticulously ground down, preparing them for the printmaking process using photographic chemistry.

In this artistic alchemy, we combine these processed soil samples with silver nitrate to craft a light-sensitive canvas. This canvas becomes the foundation for a unique photographic record, capturing the intricate components held within each soil solution. Watch in awe as the solution gracefully spreads across circular filter paper, naturally separating organic matter and creating mesmerizing bands of color and texture. It's a creative exploration that unearths the hidden beauty within the Earth's terrain.

1- Two-hour session with a presentation and Soil preparation.

2- Between two sessions, we will have a one-hour break

3- The last session will take three hours to make the prints, dry them, and expose them to the sunlight.

*Participants must bring their desired 2 different soil samples of 50gr each sample

**Open to students of all levels of experience.

**The Halide Project will supply all necessary chemistry and paper.

Instructor bio: 

Gül Cevikoglu is a New York and Italy-based photographer and visual artist dedicated over three decades to mastering experimental and alternative photographic processes. 

Cevikoglu has a Fine art and Ceramics degree and graduated from MSU in Istanbul, Turkiye. Her approach combines her background as a ceramic artist with her love for photography, resulting in a creative journey that explores the interplay between materials, light, nature, and colors. Primarily using Chemigrams, Crystalograms, Pinhole photography, Watergrams, Soil Chromatography, and Silver-Gelatin printing. She continues exploring new techniques in alternative processes that merge heart and mind to the Earth's essence and finding artistic Nirvana in her creative journeys.

This workshop is generously sponsored by The Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation.