Process & Technique

HOW IT WORKS
Each mandala begins with a photogram. I arrange crystal glass ashtrays, bowls, and plates on light-sensitive paper in the darkroom and expose them to light. This creates shadows and shapes that become the geometric foundation.

Then I hand coat layers of gum dichromate emulsion and expose each one individually. Each layer contains gum arabic, watercolor pigment, and light-sensitive chemicals. The exposed areas harden while the unexposed areas wash away.

This happens 2 to 5 times, building color and depth layer by layer over days or weeks.

THE ALCHEMY
I'm sculpting light through crystal glass, activating centuries old geometric forms through 19th century photographic processes.

WHY GUM DICHROMATE?
It's a 19th century process that gives you:

  • Rich, saturated color.
  • A painterly, tactile surface.
  • Archival permanence.
  • The ability to layer for depth.

MATERIALS
Watercolor paper (archival, 100% cotton).
Watercolor pigments.
Potassium dichromate.
Gum arabic.
UV exposure unit.

THE RESULT
Days or weeks to create.
Subtle variations from print to print.
Entirely analog.
Entirely handmade.