Seaweed Photo

Developers

In this workshop you will learn how to develop film using gathered seaweed. If you do not live near the sea, you can still join the workshop using a different plant; alternatives to seaweed include mint, nettles or spinach.

This is a plant based method for photo developing that can be used to expand your creative practice, using site specific and experimental ways of working with place. During the workshop, Julia will also introduce you to fixing with salt crystals as an alternative to traditional photographic fix.

2 hour live session with
Julia Parks

£40

All sessions are recorded and made available for a week following the course.

This also includes times for any feedback questions.

FOR A 2 HOUR LIVE SESSION YOU WILL NEED:

  • Materials

    A completed black and white photographic film that has been in a camera and exposed to light. I recommend Ilford HP5 or Kentmere 400.

    A photographic developing tank.

    Soda Crystals, such as Dri Pak soda crystals.

    Vitamin-C powder

    Photographic Fixative or Salt and Water.

    Seaweed OR Plant Matter (Mint Tea, Coffee, Red Wine)

    Access to a dark space (darkroom or pitch black cupboard) or film changing bag.

    Access to water (sink, tap, drain etc).

    Gloves (to protect your skin)

    Thermometer

    Timer

  • Extra

    If you would like to develop alongside Julia during the workshop. Please collect and brew your seaweed or plants ahead of the session.

    Brewing instructions:

    1. Collect two handfuls of fresh or washed up seaweed (be careful not to damage the plant, please refer to forager guide for full details on best collecting methods). I often wash up seaweed, but I recommend wearing gloves. You can use a range of seaweeds, but I often use Bladderwrack which is common where I live.

    2. To brew, boil around 500ml of water and pour on top of the seaweed in a jug. Leave for at least four hours (24 hours before is ideal).

Book Here

Past participant examples

Mara Devil’s Backbone - mint tea developer

Ground coffee developer Alexandra

  • ‘Mind blowing and heart opening workshop … dense with practical and poetic inspiration’

    Cathryn

  • 'Full of inspiration and magic.'

    Kathryn

  • 'I'm writing to let you know that just over two years ago, I took a soil chromatography class with the Land Art Agency, and now I have an exhibition of chromatograms on display in a museum. I thought you might be interested in knowing that one workshop has inspired so much.'

    Mari Miller

  • 'I have adored this so much! thank you so much for bringing so much INSPIRATION and knowledge to a restful and fulfilling Sunday morning.'

    Esmee

  • ‘Such a wonderful dialogue and exchange. Thank you so much! I think that it is so wonderful how ‘art making’ can be viewed as a practice that fosters well-being and restoration as opposed to some of the more pejorative aspects or outcomes of the art market or art world. This honestly should come through in art and design school ‘training’ as well. So grateful for all that was shared. Very inspiring!’

    Abigail

  • 'Thank you so much. Two hours very well spent with plenty to think about and do.'

    Liz

  • 'Thank you all for an amazing and inspirational Session! I'm just starting a new project and so this has all been really helpful!'

    Naomi

  • 'Thank you everyone. Really inspiring and nice to feel that connection with others.'

    Jess

  • 'Thank you all so much! It's been one of the best sessions I've done in ages. x'

    Consuela

  • ‘Thank you for a great session. I have enjoyed it and go away inspired by everyone. Looking forward to the next session.’

    Helen

  • 'Thank you so much for this talk! It’s 3-5AM here in Saskatchewan but totally worth it!!'

    Barbara

Workshop
Host

Julia Parks

Julia Parks is a Cumbrian artist & filmmaker exploring the interrelationships between landscapes, plants, people and industry. She works with experimental documentary forms often using 16mm film, plant-based photography, archival footage, poetry and song. Her projects have explored subjects such as seaweed, haaf netting, community gardening, migrating seeds and post-industrial landscapes on the west coast of cumbria. Her film work has screened widely including with Alchemy Film & Moving Image Festival, Open City Documentary Festival, London & Rotterdam International Film Festival.  She is currently based between West Cumbria (where she grew up) & Hawick in the Scottish Borders.