Experimental Cyanotypes Workshop

This workshop focuses on cyanotype experimentation and play so you can produce some really amazing watery and coloured effects in your prints.In this workshop, you will learn:

• Experimental techniques including wet-on-dry, wet-on-wet, bleaching and toning
• How to use kitchen supplies in cyanotypes including lemon juice, vinegar, spices and salt
• How to document and record your experiments

We’ll play with a variety of papers including book pages and paper patterns.This will be a small group session to allow you to concentrate on your experiments as well as working together with others sharing the excitement of the cyanotype process.What are Cyanotypes?The Cyanotype process originated in 1842. A photosensitive solution is applied to paper and allowed to dry in a dark place. Flat objects or photographic negatives are placed on top and then exposed to ultraviolet light (the sun). The parts not covered turn blue as the non-water-soluble Prussian blue pigment remains in the paper after washing out.As well as photographic negatives, pressed plants are a typical subject but any opaque to translucent object will create an image. Three-dimensional objects or less than perfectly flat ones will create a slightly blurred image. Once exposed to light, the final print is of an outline of an item with internal detail where they allow light, depending on their relative transparency and exposure times.With experimental cyanotypes, we use additives such as spices, vinegar, lemon juice and water to interrupt the traditional exposure process, yielding exciting marks and colour variants.

Please note: Public dates for this class require at least 3 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we'll cancel the class; in this case we'll inform you and allow you to get a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.

Suitable for all levels of experience, no art skills required.
  The workshop fee includes all materials and the preparation of some papers prior to the workshop.You will take home 10 or more cyanotype prints and the knowledge and skills to keep experimenting at home.

• Objects to print with – flat or less dimensional for clear prints, things with interesting silhouettes. For example, leaves (pressed and semi-dried in a book for a few days), imperfect leaves, sprays of leaves and flowers/buds, feathers, lace, old keys, string, stencils. Have a variety of large solid shapes (e.g. cotton tree, eucalypt, banksia) and fine details (e.g ferns, grasses). Solid shapes work better for our experimental techniques.
• 3 homemade Cyanotype Exposure Frames - made from old photo frames in charity shops. A4 up to A3 size - you need the glass and backing board (MDF, Foamcore, sturdy cardboard). Wrap the edges of the glass with adhesive tape (painters tape, cloth tape etc) to prevent accidents with the sharp edges. You'll also need 4 large bulldog clips per frame. For ease of identification during the workshop, please write your name on the backing boards.
• Assorted papers to try - watercolour, kozo, rice paper. Must be robust enough to be washed and soaked. I’ll supply book pages and vintage paper sewing patterns.
• OPTIONAL – images on clear acetate like a photograph or drawing – you can get these printed at Officeworks, maximum A5 size. The best images are those with a strong contrast.
• Apron and nametag. You’ll be on your feet quite a bit so sandshoes are recommended.
• Notebook, pen and pencil, for documentation of your process.
• Your lunch and drinks. Tea and coffee are provided.

This would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum or gift for couples.