Camera Obscura

Before every carbon print, Damiano Bianca accurately checks the textile paper to ensure its perfection.

In July I attended a stage of carbon print held by Damiano Bianca. The stage has been programmed and structured with him and, for those who’re interested, it is possible to make arrangements for similar courses, individually deciding arguments, duration, modalities and subscription costs.

I took part in course every afternoon for almost a week, in Rome, inside the Damiano Bianca’s perfectly equipped dark room.

First day has been dedicated to a generic introduction of carbon print, followed by a practical demonstration by Damiano with materials he prepared before the lesson. Then he taught an argument per day, deepening the theoretical and practical aspect of each one.

• enlarged negatives: digital negatives inkjet printed with curves that Damiano developed;
• paper tissue: choice of pigment, support, gelatine preparation, different coiling techniques, paper drying;
• transport paper: paper choice, sizing and hardening techniques, drying
• print: sensitization, drying, exposure, simple transfer, developing phase, finishing touch.

Moreover every day, together with lessons and practices, one or two images were printed, always with materials prepared by Damiano and materials that we prepared the days before. I appreciated all the little skills in preparing every single print component that was the argument of the day, more than familiarizing with procedures and bring some pictures home.

At the end of the stage, one last afternoon has been spent printing with supports prepared during the week.

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