Botanical Cyanotypes and Bookmaking

BOTANICAL CYANOTYPES & BOOKMAKING

We will spend the day outdoors exploring the process of cyanotypes (aka 'sun prints’) to create striking blue and white botanical prints of leaves and flowers.

WHAT WILL I GET FROM THIS WORKSHOP?

You will experiment with a variety of flowers and leaves to make and take away between 6 and 10 striking ‘blue prints’ (cyanotypes) ranging in paper finish and size (including cotton-based artist paper, cartridge, coloured papers and interesting ephemera such as envelopes). You will also hand stitch your own cyanotype-cover sketchbook to takeaway.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

In this workshop you will explore the process of cyanotypes, a cameraless form of photography where we will use the sunlight to capture silhouettes of different flowers and leaves. We'll compare the different affects you can create with opaque and translucent botanical objects, and see what interesting and playful results you get from working with different papers. We will use our cyanotypes to hand stitch our own A6 note/sketchbook (to keep or give away!)

Everything you need is provided, just bring an apron and/or wear scruffs as the cyanotype chemicals – although completely safe – can stain fabrics. If you have some leaves and flower cuttings you would like to use, bring these along.

There is no minimum ability expected - anyone with an interest in the arts, printing and working with nature-based images are welcome.

Be aware that we will be working outside in the sunshine so come prepared and protected from the elements with sun cream and a hat. In the event of adverse weather, we will work inside using a light box.

There is no ‘formal’ break, but the workshop is very relaxed with opportunities for rest/time out throughout. Everyone is encouraged and supported to work at their own pace.

*if you loved this workshop, we have a fantastic follow-up class on Friday 17 April: Cyanotypes on Wood and Travel Flower Press - see full details and book on our Eventbrite page.

WHO IS MY TUTOR?

The workshop is run by Zoe, a qualified and experienced art tutor currently teaching at a specialist arts university in Leeds. She is interested in process-driven arts and hands-on analogue practices. She is a big believer in learning by doing and making mistakes as a form of enquiry, an ethos which underpins her teaching.