“Cyanotype: Variations & Adaptations”

Making large murals using sensitized fabric is one of the super special qualities of cyanotype. It was interesting to read about how the different countries of origin had an affect on the success of the fabric being used for cyanotype. In one of the images, a detail from a larger mural created in Oklahoma, the fabric is placed under a tree, where highlights of the sun, and shadows of the leaves contribute to the already made composition, and it made me think of yet another possibility in terms of creating something and then documenting it and having the documentation become it’s own piece.

“The Cyanotype Process”

Because Cyanotype is my favorite process, as well as the one that I have explored the furthest, it is exciting and valuable to know that there are so many techniques I can use to take each cyanotype project further, to keep it interesting and to make it what it needs to be without just falling back on the anticipated results of deepish blue and white. This gives me a bit more control in the planning and outcome. There is a sad note however that mentions that the toning suggestions almost always lead to results that look better wet than dry. sad. I definitely think that some of the results become less photographic and more painterly but I find that to be an interesting and valid transformation.

“The Cyanotype Process”

Cyanotype just might be my favorite photographic and artistic process. The nearly endless possibilities of substrates and surfaces you can coat, as well as the images and objects you can document, make for an exciting scientific and artistic exploration. The list of papers that work well with the process definitely comes in handy and may prevent a lot of trial and error which results in wasted money and resources. It’s nice to know what to look for. It’s interesting to see a process that I have become comfortable with and used to, broken down in an depth step-by-step format. There are also helpful rescue mission tips for mishaps like overexposure, which I didn’t even know could possibly be remedied.