Cyanotype is an art form that is both modern and historical, having been used since the 1840’s and continuing to be an exciting and accessible printmaking technique today. In this class, you’ll use papers prepared by the instructor to capture images using sunlight and various objects that are placed over the paper. UV (ultraviolet) light rays in the sunshine transform the surface of the paper into a deep blue once it is made permanent in a water rinse step. Please bring any objects, images and/or fabrics that cast an interesting shadow or have transparent areas to them to the class. We will cover the history of cyanotype, how to make an image and adjust the technique for different levels of light, how to process the cyanotype papers in water and also how to dry and present the final images. You’ll leave with several cyanotype images that you’ll create as well as a new appreciation for this blue-toned artform.
$10 material fee payable to the instructor.
About the Teaching Artist
Amanda Chesney is a printmaker, visual artist and instructor as well as a biologist. She makes works on paper in small editions and as unique originals using traditional and modern sustainable printmaking techniques. Amanda earned her degree in Microbiology from the University of Guelph Canada, and completed a 25 year career with Johnson & Johnson before leaving in 2022 to fully work as an artist. In parallel, she has been continuing to build on her artistic practice and teaching skills for the past 20 years, most recently completing artist residencies at Zea Mays Printmaking in Massachusetts and the Flatbed Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Texas. Amanda loves to teach and regularly hosts printmaking classes for adults and teens across the area.
Amanda’s prints capture the fleeting and sometimes unexpected beauty of the natural world to appeal across cultures and times. She uses found and reclaimed materials and upcycled papers to reflect the locations and seasons where she makes her work. You can see her work on Instagram @chesneyprintmaking.
