Notes on a new technique.
I've fallen in love with cyanotype, but want to explore other colours.
For the past six month or so I've been working with cyanotype. A fascinating, rather antique photographic process where the image is produced by exposing sensitised paper to a source of ultraviolet light, such as the sun. The medium is beforehand prepared with a light-sensitive solution of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide. Then covered with whatever you want to create an image of on top. I use photographic negatives and botanical elements. After exposure, the print is developed in water and a beautiful blue image appears (if you dont mess it up 🤣)
I have some of my cyanotypes for sale in my webshop, so fell free to check them out..
I also sell my work in a local art shop, and I've been asked several times whether I could make them in other colours. Well, you can tone cyanotypes, but so far I haven't managed to get the result I'm looking for.
SO, naturally I had to try something else!
Now I'm trying another medium Jacquard SolarFast. The dyes are activated by light, and I'm curious to see whether I can use them to achieve the colours and results I have in mind.
OK, som here are the notes on my creative research on solarfast.
I tried both dry and wet applications on Fabriano watercolor paper. Since the autumn sun isn't exactly generous with its hours, I also compared exposure in sunlight with exposure under my daylight lamp.
What I've learned for now:
1. Wet solution turned out better than dry. Dry was more faint.
2. The sunlight worked much better than my lamp. With cyanotype I've had success using my lamp with approximately double the exposure time. That wasn't the case here, maybe with even more patience, but that I do not have!
3. My paper couldn't withstand the extended washing process that is needed for SolarFast. RIP Fabriano.
Back to the drawing board:
I have ordered another type of paper, Hahnemühle 100% cotton, 300gsm. Now I'm just waiting for it to arrive, so I can continue experimenting.
If you've worked with SolarFast, or have experience with this kind of photographic or alternative printing process, I'd love to hear your advice.
What works for you? Which papers have you had success with? And if you're curious about the process, please ask questions, too!
I'll keep sharing what I discover, including the things that don't work.
Now, I'm off to have a cup of coffee. ☕
XX Margit
