This one-day workshop will introduce students to printing with cyanotype, an iron-based photographic process invented in 1842, now front and center in the contemporary renaissance of antiquarian photo processes. Also known as "blueprints," cyanotypes can stand on their own or become lively additions to collages, artist books, and other mixed media constructions.

We will hand sensitize various papers, then print and develop images. Because cyanotypes are printed on artist papers, they may be embellished further with watercolor, print making, sewing, etc. We will look at our forerunners, such as 19th century botanist/photographer Anna Atkins, a trailblazer who used cyanotype to produce the world's first photographically illustrated book.

We will also consider the work of contemporary practitioners. Handouts, books, and samples will encourage further investigation into the past, present, and future of cyanotype. Experimentation and further exploration encouraged! (No previous darkroom experience necessary.)

Supplies you will need to bring:

PAPER  Some paper will be provided to get us started but please bring a few extra sheets your choice- ideas below:

Possibilities include old book pages (experiment!), brown Kraft paper/paper bags; Canson mi-teintes: Stonehenge; Arches 90# hot press; Arches Aquarelle; Arches Platine; Lana Gravure; Lanaquarelle; Hannemuhle Ingres; Crane's stationery, etc.  Try printmaking or watercolor paper (something that can handle getting wet!). Try printing cyan over prints made with acrylic or oily
inks; try working over collages made with waterproof glue.

NOTE: smoother papers = more detail; rougher papers = more impressionistic

If you want to work on a collaged surface, use waterproof glue (PVA, for example).

**** A negative/something to block light that is the same size as the image you want to obtain, such as: lace, plant materials, feathers, objects; acrylic lifts (positive or negative); drawings made on acetate, tracing paper/glassine, glass, waxed paper (using black acrylic paint or dense black markers); medical X-rays; Xeroxes onto acetate (positive & negative), computer printouts on acetate,.  NOTE: Staples will make positive and negative laser prints onto acetate (transparencies) or you can print them out from your computer. REMEMBER: Cyanotype is a reversal process, so working with a POSITIVE image will give you a negative blueprint.  Conversely, a NEGATIVE will print as a positive cyanotype. NOTE: Enlarged B&W photo negatives on film (4x5 or larger) will certainly work but definitely bring acetate to protect your film negatives from the cyanotype chemistry.

Apron

Notebook and pen

Pencil (for writing notes on your prints)

(Scissors and a bone folder COULD prove useful.)

Nitrile gloves

Optional - if you have one or more of these items:

Brush, preferably without metal (Japanese hake brush or foam brush), used
only for cyanotype

Your own hairdryer (& extension cord)

Your own contact printer (8x10 or 11x14)

You may also want to bring your lunch.

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