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HELIOGRAM WORKSHOP |
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Workshop leader: Marilyn Caddell, (Scotland) |
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A “heliogram” is a way of recording an image onto fabric using dyes which react with the ultraviolet rays from the sun. In suggesting this workshop, my idea was that delegates could record some of the flora (leaves, flowers, grasses, etc.) found on the forays or growing around the Symposium campus. |
Finished heliogram |
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The dyes are called Pebeo Set a Colour Transparent Dyes. They are manufactured in France, but are available in good art supplies shops in various countries. White fabric (either |
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Finished
heliogram |
natural fibres or man-made can be used) is stretched over a frame, so that there is an air space underneath. The dyes are then applied with a foam brush or wide bristle brush - one colour only, or a marbled or swirled effect using several colours. Objects are them laid on the wet surface and the frame put out in the sun. |
| When the fabric is fully dry the process is complete. The objects can be removed and an image in white will be left on the coloured fabric. Ironing for several minutes sets the colour on the fabric, which is then washable. The objects | |
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used (i.e. leaves, etc.) must be flat, so that all parts touch the fabric, or a crisp image will not be attained. Pressing plant material in advance is a good idea. A sunny day with NO wind is ideal, so that points of a leaf will not lift in the breeze. Lace, feathers and cut out cardboard shapes can also be used. On the day that we had our workshop the weather was very mixed. Several heavy showers of rain occurred and we had to rush outside, bring the frames in and try to finish them in front of |
 photo by Bobi Ward (Green Skills) Making a heliogram |
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halogen lamps. Lamps work well, but not if five or six people need to put their frames in front of one lamp. The range of the ray is not wide enough. However, we achieved some lovely results. On silk the images even seemed to have a darker outline round the edge. Often the veins of the leaves show very clearly. In a workshop situation we each did several small pieces, but if you can make a large frame and live in a sunny climate there are no limits! |
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 Photos by M. Caddell,(Scotland) |
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"2 Heliograms by Marilyn Caddell, Scotland" |
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