Cello-tape transfer.

Transfer technique lesson - Cello-tape transfer.

The first transfer technique I explored during this lesson was the cello-tape transfers. This transfer creates a translucent image of a photograph on cello-tape. This transfer relies heavily on using the right type printer or photocopier, using ink jet printers instead of using laser printers the image simply disintegrates when adding water to the image. 

Tape layered over a photocopied image
of a previous collage.

To begin the transfer a laser photocopy is taken and cello-tape is layered over the image, picture side up. When applying the tape it is important to make sure that there is a slight overlap between the strips as without this the tape pulls apart further on in the process. It is also important that there are little to no air bubbles as when the image is transferred this creates gaps in the image creating a section of blank space, however if this technique was used to age a picture this is something that could be taken into account as old photos gradually lose part of the image as they age. When this is complete a shiny layer is left over the photocopy.

The next stage is where it would become apparent if an ink jet printer is used. Taking a damp sponge to the back of the photocopy, gradually rub away the paper on the back. Ensure that the sponge is fairly damp while doing this as it makes the paper come away far easier. through experiment with this technique I found it works better to rub with the grain of the picture, meaning to rub in one direction as then it avoids accidentally pulling sections of the copy away. At this point you should see your image appearing through the gap where paper has been removed, it is important to note that images with a vast amount of white or light grey tints will rub away completely leaving the transparent tape, this is good to show high areas of contrast within a photo. When all the paper is removed a fragile and translucent copy of your image should remain on the tape. 

Image beginning to emerge through the paper at beginning of transfer.

transfer lifted to the light to show where sections of pale hues had become transparent.

   In my first attempt at this technique I developed a rip in the transfer, I put this down to the cello-tape not overlapping much at this intersection creating a weak point, which was then weakened by heavy handedness at removing paper. This is when I also discovered following one direction when removing paper worked better as no rips occurred following that technique.
To show the transparency of the technique I painted a bright yellow underneath the image to contrast against the red tone, to further this I could pair this particular image with green ink as green and red are complementary colours. I also smudged the colour on the page with a sponge and took some ink away to add some variety to the marks on the page. I do think the image was successful as the bright hue underneath the transfer made the pattern on the tape stand out more, it also emphasised the transparent nature of the piece. This technique works well as a component of a collage as the base of the piece can be seen through the image layered on top, it also could be layered with other transfers to develop depth to a piece.
 
I really enjoyed this technique and decided to complete another transfer with an image with more contrast to show how the pale hues are taken away. I chose to use an old photograph which suited this technique far better than the image of the collage I used before. Having an old photograph as a subject lends its self to this technique as slight errors in the process fabricates the illusion of an aged image. It can be used as a quick method to give age to a photo and also adds a different texture to the piece. 

Old photograph of a great aunt, at the first stage of the transfer. Layering tape over the copy. 

A section of the photo showing through, in the process of removing the paper with a wet sponge.

The completed transfer, I think this is rather successful and actually used the same image and technique to create further collages. Described in other posts
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To show the transparency of the image layered but not adhered to a piece of paper with yellow ink.