Exploring the magic of photography through its most fundamental form: camera obscura, aka the pinhole image. Camera obscura is a naturally occurring optical phenomenon that has inspired and has been implemented by artists and scientists over many centuries. In this one day intensive workshop, you will first learn how to build a functional camera with everyday materials, and create your very own black and white photograph in the darkroom! You don’t have to know a lot about photography to make a pinhole image, not knowing the result makes the process full of excitement, surprises and lots of fun!

Muzi Li Rowe is best known for her optical assemblages of obsolete technology and photographs made using them. She works with the physical elements of camera, observing photography through its own medium. Often working with various historical and alternative photographic processes, she reflects the significance of practicing the analog medium in the current age. Rowe’s work is influenced by the works from the New Topographics and The Picture Generations, as well as folk art and DIY culture.

Born and raised in Beijing, China, Rowe has lived in between Beijing, Sydney, Hawaii and California since the age of 17. She received a Bachelor of Visual Arts from University of Sydney, Australia and a Master of Fine Arts from University of California Davis. Rowe has exhibited in the US, China and Australia, at venues including Slosumb Galleries, East Tennessee State University, TN; Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, CA; Coffs Harbor Regional Gallery, Australia; Carriage Works, Sydney, Australia; and Bronze Ware Museum, Ordos, China. Rowe currently works as a freelance photographer, specializing in artwork documentation and product photography under the name Eighteen Percent Labs. Rowe lives and works in Sacramento, California.