About my process

My work is created by using the process of Polaroid Emulsion Transfer to place photographic images on 22-carat gold leaf.  It begins with my original slides which I then use to print on Polaroid film.   After the Polaroid images are fully dried, I place the print in boiling water to loosen up the emulsion.  In this way, the emulsion can gradually be released from the backing paper and the entire image will peel off.  While still wet, I transfer the very thin, gel-like film to the prepared gold surface.  I have developed my own unique technique for preparing and antiquing the gold.  For permanence, I use 22-carat gold leaf on archival paper with a UV protectant coating.

I work with the 4" x 5" format as well as with the little used larger formats, including both the 8" x 10" and the 20"x 24". Each sheet of film is very expensive and the makeup of the Polaroid film varies from batch to batch.  In order to get a good final print, I must first get a good exposure, then be able to transfer the very thin but large emulsion without tearing or damaging it.  After that, the image must dry correctly on the surface.  The process takes about 2 weeks to get a final piece.