Cyanotype is a photographic printing process, done without a camera, that produces a blue toned print. In this method, iron compounds are diluted in water to make a light sensitive solution which is applied to the material surface. When exposed to UV light, any area that is not covered will react with the rays and turn blue. Alternatively, any covered area will block the light and retain a white or lighter color.
Seaweed Wrack was created using the wet cyanotype process, combining freshly collected wrack weed with slightly damp paper coated in cyanotype emulsion. To preserve the fluid, atmospheric quality of the composition, I loosely brushed in a warm watercolor wash, introducing a subtle contrast of color while maintaining the work’s soft, ethereal mood.
Multilayer cyanotype on rag paper. Paper size: 8 x 10"
