18 months In.
“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working”
It has been over a year since I retired. I always used to say "I want to be an artist when I grow up". I'm happy to report that I have been working on this goal everyday since I left work last year. It is an ongoing evolution. Learning, practicing and making connections between different processes. This past spring I made a commitment to take a deep dive into the world of cyanotype printing and it’s taken me on a wonderful journey.
What is cyanotype?
Cyanotype is a camera-less photographic printing process invented in 1842 which produces a cyan-blue print when a chemistry-coated surface is exposed to sunlight. I use plant materials from my yard and along the North Saskatchewan River Valley on a variety of backgrounds: canvas, vintage atlas pages, watercolour and cotton rag papers.
My style is called Mixed Media
Combine to create
Mixed media is the term used for artwork in which more than one medium or element has been combined to create a new image. I use my cyanotype prints, botanical drawings, mark making and eco-dyed elements to create my mixed media pieces.
Resin Finish Makes my Art Pop!
My painted cyanotype prints just jump when covered with resin. I paint the prints with watercolour and gouache paints and then apply two coats of epoxy resin.
I just started learning this technique and I plan of doing much more with this process.
Preserving Prints:
Reproducing Favourites
I’m surprised at how sad I am when I let my art go to a new home. I scan it so I can reproduced my art on high quality paper. These colourful prints are perfect for framing (and remembering).
I continue to be inspired by botanicals.
I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my artist life. I have a new Garden Studio and I'm excited to see what magic will happen in my little oasis in the backyard.
