Cyanotype Workshop - Archiving the Seasons with Lizzie Cardozo

Cyanotype workshop with artist Lizzie Cardozo at The Civic Action Lab! Learn the cyanotype print making process and create some beautiful blue prints. No experience necessary - just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the art of cyanotype photography. Archiving the seasons with a focus on using nature within our prints from a collected variety of pressed leaves, flowers, wild flowers, plants all from UK gardens. Exploring and nurturing our connection with nature through art making.

In this workshop you will come away with 3 Cyanotype prints on water colour paper, all made during the workshop using materials provided by the artists (you are also welcome to bring your own). You will also get to learn about the cyanotype process, experiment with exposing times and double exposures to create different effects.

What is a cyanotype?

The cyanotype printing technique is one of the earliest forms of photography, invented in 1842 by Sir John Herschel and made famous by botanist and artist, Anna Atkins.

A cyanotype print is created by exposing UV sensitive material such as paper or fabric to UV light. This is a camera-less technique which uses a compound that consists of a mixture of 2 iron salts to create a light sensitive material. This solution is then painted onto semi absorbent surfaces, such as paper or fabric, then left to dry in the dark.

Once dried objects are laid on top of the UV sensitive paper and exposed to UV light. Once the paper has been exposed for a specified time. The prints image is then fixed in a developing tray filled with cold water. This will then reveal the blue and white blueprint, the print itself deepens over the next 24 hours as it dries.

What’s included?

- Learn about the cyanotype process, about composition and photography.

-Cyanotypes motifs will be created using foliage provided by Lizzie.

- You’ll learn how to make your own cyanotype print.

- Make and take away 3 prints on high quality watercolour paper.

What shall I bring?

- All materials are provided however you are welcome to bring some personal items with you to use on your prints. These items can include:

- Necklaces, jewellery

- Flowers, pressed leaves

- Knitting/yarn

- Feathers

- Lettering

Who is the workshop aimed towards?

- This workshop is open to all ages. Children must be over 8 to attend. Please get in touch if you have any queries as we can make accommodations for participants.

Please note:

*Please be aware if any chemicals get on clothing it will stain*

*UV lamps will be used in the workshop*

*Any chemicals that come into contact with the skin is advised to be washed off*

All materials will be provided.

9 people maximum.

Some prints may still be drying at the end of the workshop and will need to continue to dry at home. Colours will deepen over the next 24 hours after the workshop is finished.