Spirits in Blue
Adventures in Cyanotype
A couple of months ago I began to experiment with Cyanotypes. I remember being exposed to the process during childhood at day camp. Placing leaves and wildflowers on the paper and exposing them to the sun.
The process was created in 1842 and was originally intended for reproducing mathematic tables, also known as blue prints. The chemicals used are the actual components of true Prussian Blue.
I desired more control over the exposure in order to have a baseline that would free me up to experiment so I created a makeshift UV box in my studio to expose the prints with a higher degree of consistency. Once that was established I began with a base image that combines macro photography, double exposure and digital solarization to create a large format negative. Before placing the hand-applied sensitized paper into the light box I invited the spirits to contribute to the final image by giving them water, salts, citrus, and other elemental tools to manipulate the final image. I was quickly astounded at what appeared and still am to this day.
Economics will prevent me from matting and framing the series for a traditional show so I am thinking outside of the box for a more theatrical presentation so stay tuned. Below is a small selection from the series.
