A Good Case for the Blues

Dear Henry,

Whenever anyone asks about what type of art I create, my standard answer is photography, cyanotype, and pen and ink doodles.

The next question is almost always "What is cyanotype"

Cyanotype is a photography process that uses an iron-based solution, rather than the silver-based of standard photography.

The process was developed in 1842 by Sir John Herschel, although it would be the naturalist Anna Atkins and her hand-sewn books of cyanotype prints of algae and ferns that made the art form shine.  For a time, it was quite popular in Victorian England, at least until standard photography became cheaper and more readily available.

The cyanotypes I have been producing are called photograms. Rather than reflecting the image off of a mirror, I lay objects (or negatives) directly on the paper and expose them to the sun.

It is a slow and unpredictable process and one that I have grown to love.

The downside of the art form is that it is "solar-powered" which means I end up with quite a bit of downtime in the winter months.

Spring is coming and the days are longer and I am looking forward to getting out and getting the blues.

xoxo a.d.

****** *********************************

a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

Her online photography gallery can be found at shop.takethebackroads.com

#TaketheBackRoads

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Location: Bella Vista, AR, USA

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