Cyanotypes

Cyanotypes are my spring and summer meditation - as the winter days end and our world fills with blossoming trees and wildflowers I find myself mesmerized, inspired, closely studying, and foraging. Small specimens from my yard, neighborhood, and compost pile make their way onto my hand painted cyanotype papers to expose in the sun using an experimental technique that allows me to collaborate with Mother Nature to create my final artworks.

Historically, a cyanotype is made by firmly pressing dried botanicals on cyanotype paper under glass for 10 minutes of direct sunlight. I work non traditionally by removing the glass, using living plants, and extending my exposure time. In doing so I am able to use temperature, weather, condensation, heat, and sun to affect the outcome of my cyanotypes - a true collaboration with Mother Nature. The slowing of this process aligns with my methods and concepts of resisting convenience, part of my lifes work.

I’ve made cyanotype gratitude flag for Aspen, Hemlock, Berries, Oak, Birds, White Pine, Birch, Lady Fern, Ash, The Field (pictured above), Sensitive Fern, Maple, Hickory, Slate, Mushrooms and am in the process of creating many more to add to the collection. I am so blessed to have so much to be thankful for at my cabin in Upstate NY! All of these species are from the land my cabin sits on, where I have spent years with my collection of vintage field guides naming each and every flower, tree, plant, mushroom, reptile and animal on the property. It is important to me that I make friends with all of the life I share this land with. (And it’s just fun to learn all of their names and go on a daily scavenger hunt!) I have a goal to create a flag for every plant and/or grouping of species.

This personal project was born through inspiration from “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kemmerer. I highly recommend reading this book. There is also obvious inspiration from Tibetan culture and prayer flags. These have long been appropriated into the “hippie culture” I fit into and I’ve always found them to be beautiful. Creating this style of flag in this way and adorning my cabin porch with them is an artistic way for me to wake up every morning with coffee in hand and thank each of the species I share the land with for all of their gifts.