The Burn, Glen Nant – 9 panel gum bichromate print, Fractured Whispers series, Celtic Rainforest, Scotland
The Keeper of Barra Mòr – 9 panel Gum Bichromate prints, Fractured Whispers series, on show at Dalkeith Photo 2024 until 6th Oct.
Ian Phillips-McLaren, talking about gum printing & foraging for artists pigments, Dalkeith Photo 2024
Ian Phillips-McLaren is a British artist, specialising in analogue photography and alternative photographic printing processes - Gum Bichromate Printing.
Welcome to a world where the art of photography is not just captured but crafted with passion and expertise.
Most of the images on this website are hand-printed as Gum Bichromate prints, Salt Prints, Albumen Prints, and Toned Cyanotype prints.
My name is Ian Phillips-McLaren, and I am passionate about alternative photographic processes. With years of experience in the field, I have dedicated my career to exploring and teaching these hands-on techniques. My journey into the world of photography began in 1985 with a fascination for the tactile nature and unique aesthetics of analogue photography.
Over the years, I have delved into various alternative processes, including salt printing, gum printing, and toned cyanotypes. These methods offer a level of craftsmanship and a connection to the historical roots of photography that digital methods simply cannot replicate.
In addition to my teaching role at The School of Art, Architecture and Design in London and Cambridge School of Art, ARU in Cambridge, I maintain an active practice as an artist, continually experimenting and pushing the boundaries of these early photographic methods.
Analogue photography alternative processes and various types of photographic printing.
My personal work is a testament to the hands-on process and artistic vision that defines my approach to fine art photography. In ‘Fractured Whispers’, I infuse each image with the essence of the rainforest itself. By using foraged pigments derived from the forest floor, a symbiotic relationship emerges between art and nature.
As an educator, I am proud to share my knowledge with the next generation of fine art photographers. I teach digital and analogue photography, along with early printing techniques, to BA and MA students in fine art and photography at university. Additionally, I offer private lessons, guiding students through the intricate processes that defined the early days of this art form. My classes emphasize hands-on experience, encouraging students to experiment and develop their unique styles while understanding the historical context and technical details of each method.
My work has been featured in numerous publications and exhibitions, nationally and internationally, highlighting the enduring beauty and relevance of these traditional techniques.
Thank you for visiting my site. I invite you to explore my portfolio and learn more about the world of analogue photography and alternative processes. Whether you are an enthusiast, a fellow artist, or a prospective student, I hope my work inspires you to see photography in a new light.
