Cyanotype
Cyanotype is an old photographic process that uses light-sensitive material, specific chemical reagents, and UV light to produce images in a distinctive blue color.
This method was developed in 1842 by the English scientist and astronomer Sir John Herschel, and it is one of the earliest accessible techniques for creating photographs.
I can’t stop marveling at how limitless the field of photographic experimentation is. Cyanotype was an incredible discovery for me. I especially love working with natural materials — it feels as if they are “sealed” onto the paper, “kissed” by the sun, giving you the chance to keep a little piece of nature in your own space.
How does cyanotype work?
There are many variations and materials that can influence the final result, but the core process follows a consistent sequence of steps — though with plenty of nuances. If we skip the finer details, the process looks roughly like this:
1️⃣ A special solution of iron salts is mixed and applied to paper, fabric, or another surface, then left to dry.
2️⃣ A subject (such as a plant, negative, or object) is placed on the coated material and exposed to sunlight or a UV lamp. When light hits the photosensitive solution, a chemical reaction occurs, and the uncovered areas begin to turn a deep blue color.
3️⃣ After exposure, the material is rinsed in water to fix the color and wash away any excess solution.
The result is a vivid blue print.
Works available:
The project was created together with Nastya (@Lubimoe\_remeslo / @mokash\_brend).
Nastya makes unique handmade jewelry using natural materials — crafting an entire world of floral compositions within each piece. In our collaboration, we created incredible jewelry that, for me, evokes Ray Bradbury’s
*Dandelion Wine* — just as summer was bottled in the story, we’ve preserved it inside the jewelry.
