Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print. It is literally a “dark blue impression”. Cyanotype images are made using light-sensitive chemicals to produce the permanent ‘blue print’.
During this fascinating workshop you will learn the entire cyanotype process, from preparing chemicals to making photograms using a range of different found objects and natural forms.
You’ll explore using a UV lightbox as well as sunlight (weather permitting!) to produce a range of printed outcomes onto paper and textile samples.
The workshop is a practical learning workshop and, after demonstrations, a large portion of the day will be practising making photograms, making sure you have a good understanding of the process. You will be able to take your wonderful cyan-blue prints home at the end of the day.
You will also be provided with information on where to purchase the chemicals in order to carry on experimenting at your leisure.
Please note there is a £5 materials charge payable on the day to cover the chemicals, paper, fabrics and a range of found materials and objects to use.
If you have any objects you would like to try and make images with, do bring them along!
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all and provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas and experiences. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
Arrive in time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning your session at the appointed time. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a homemade 2 course lunch. The main course will be delicious but don’t overdo it as the puds are usually worth waiting for! There will be a further afternoon break with the most wonderful cakes from Roots & Fruits Home Bakery, a North Yorkshire micro-bakery producing handmade bread and cakes. All food and refreshments are included in the price of the workshop.
Finish time is given as a target – there are occasions when the session may overrun so do let us know if you need to be away promptly.
We aim for your day to be a real treat… of course you could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make it a day being looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
What you’ll need to bring with you
Any objects you wish to make a cameraless photograph from!
This may include:
• Old negatives / glass plate negatives
• Heirloom clothing (e.g. lace gloves)
• Feathers
• Leaves
• Flowers
… and so on!
A wide selection of objects will be provided, so this is not essential for participants. You can turn up with nothing and it will be completely fine!
