Polaroid Transfer and SX-70 Mixed Media Prints

Polaroid Transfer and SX-70 manipulations have always been somewhat obscure art forms. Now that Polaroid film is no longer manufactured, and artists can no longer work in these media, the existing artworks are destined become rare and sought after. Polaroid Transfer was a printmaking technique that turned a photograph into a unique work of art with subdued colors, interesting borders and textures, and ethereal or nostalgic qualities. To create the transfers, I used a Vivitar slide printer, which accepted Polaroid 669 peel-apart film. Upon separation, both sides of the film could be transferred, resulting in two completely different effects. I hand-colored most of the transfers with watercolor.
	Image Transfers were performed by placing the negative on a piece of watercolor paper and applying an even pressure. When the backing paper was removed, the image remained on the paper.
	Emulsion Transfers were performed by soaking the positive in hot water, until the emulsion separated from the backing paper. The delicate emulsion layer was then transferred to watercolor paper.

Polaroid SX-70 Manipulation required a 1970's-vintage Polaroid SX-70 folding camera and Time Zero film. The film had a unique emulsion which remained soft for about an hour after the photo was taken. A painterly effect was created by moving the emulsion around using items such as toothpicks or wooden potters tools.

In January of 2006, Polaroid stopped manufacturing Time Zero film, which was used to make Polaroid SX-70 manipulations. In Feburary, 2008, Polaroid announced that it is closing its film factories immediately and will focus exclusively on digital media, so the film used to create Polaroid Transfers will soon not be available as well. That means that I and other artists will no longer be able to create Polaroid art.

These processes, which are completely manual (non-digital), resulted in small 3 to 4 inch hand-colored masters. I have sold most of my original masters. I have a few left which I am saving for my own private collection, but I am no longer able to create new masters. I scanned the masters and can enlarge them to make Giclee Fine Art Prints in a variety of sizes on rag paper and canvas. The prints looks more like paintings than photographs. Giclee Prints are not yet available online. If you are interested in acquiring a print, contact me for sizes and prices.

Polaroid Transfer and SX-70 Hand Made Mixed Media Prints