Cyanotype is a photographic method of creating prints, founded by John Herschel, and It gets its name from the Cyan blue it shows. I really like the look of cyanotypes and I hope to be able to create them in the future Cyanotype needs to be kept in a light-safe bottle as this is how it develops, however there are many other methods of creating a cyanotype-like print. I really like the look of cyanotypes and I hope to be able to create them in the future, I did not attend the cyanotype workshop however I have researched how it works and followed other student notes to help me, what I understand about the process of it is this - The first step in the process is to cover the paper in a cyanotype mix, which is a blue solution, and then allow it to dry in a dark room as it is light sensitive. Then add objects or acetates (created by photocopying a photo onto acetate) on to the paper and expose to light to create the picture on the cyanotype (40 light units if using a box) and place the paper face down on top until the exposure to light allows the picture to develop, or place in the sun for a short time. Proceed to then wash the paper, squeegee and blot it and allow it to dry for at least a day.There are various materials that you can use to create different tones e.g. bleach, coffee, red wine etc.
Meghann Riepenhoff is an artist who uses cyanotype and really stood out to me. I love the textures in her pieces and although I don’t have access to cyanotype materials right now, I’d love to create something along these lines using another material. I have recently been looking into acrylic pours and how these form patterns and shapes of a cell like nature, and her work reminded me of the marks that are commonly seen in some acrylic pours. I also love the colours in these pieces, blues and oranges, which are complimentary colours and so work well together. The pieces I like of hers are created using water, which may explain the likeness to acrylic pours. “Riepenhoff's prints are formed by the action of water from the ocean or rain. She creates her prints by placing pre-treated paper directly in ocean waters, beneath rain, and along beaches in the surf.”