Description

Introducing cyanotype | Nathalie Stone | Sunday 7 July | 2024 | 10.00 – 4.30

£60 Full/Keyholder member | £70 Ordinary Member | £80 Non-member

This cyanotype workshop is an introduction course. It’s a great way of ‘printing’ incredibly complex and detailed shapes without any drawing involved, just a sense of design and an interest in imagery.

No previous experience is necessary. It’s a great way of ‘printing’ incredibly complex and detailed shapes without any drawing involved, just a sense of design and an interest in imagery.

Cyanotype photography is a camera-less technique using a light sensitive emulsion.

The course will explore the creative possibilities through a range of experimental pieces.

This light sensitive emulsion can be painted on papers or textiles. When dry it can be exposed to flat opaque ‘found’ objects. These can be made by exposing to sunlight/ or a ultraviolet light source.  We have an exposure unit for controlled and predictable exposures for use in the studio.
There is an extraordinary range of source material that can be used to make images. A wide range of ‘found’ objects can be used exploiting texture and shape with great subtlety.

• natural forms such as leaves, feathers and flowers
• feathers/ buttons/ jewellery /string/ nets
• Cut paper shapes/ ‘found ‘ paper shapes.
• Fabrics work well especially nets and gauzes or lacy work.
• Semi-transparent objects will also work but they do need to be flat and non-sharp. .
• Drawn / painted imagery on tracing paper or transparencies made on photocopiers or printers.

Bring along some interesting material. Start collecting interesting shapes from discarded packaging and recycle your rubbish creatively. You are also welcome to bring along negative photographs / images printed onto acetate, or old negatives, as these will not be provided.

Textile artists may be interested to use it as a basis for further machine work/ appliqué and embroidery.

The course will cover :

• How to mix the cyanotype emulsion
• What are the most suitable papers and textiles to use
• Coating the substrates
• Exposure times and using the UV unit
• Washing out and developing
• Drying process

Paper, materials, and resources will be provided. However, feel free to bring along your apron and any materials or fabric you would like to print on.

About the Artist

Nathalie is a cyanotype and mixed media artist who loves exploring artistic processes. She is originally from Switzerland and moved to Swansea in 1987.

“I enjoy experimenting with printmaking techniques and have a particular passion for cyanotype, which is an alternative photographic and printing process. I am fascinated with its element where Art and Science seems to merge into one.  I love the unpredictable nature of this process. I feel there is a sense of magic and surprise in every step of the cyanotype technique, which cultivate my curiosity. My work is deeply influenced by the stunning natural environment surrounding me, particularly the Gower and its breathtaking beaches.

I find immense joy and satisfaction in collecting organic and natural materials during my walks, pressing them at home and integrating them into my art. This practice is not only a creative process but also a vital part of my daily wellbeing routine. My prints reflect a personal journey and ‘la joie de vivre’. I am also an avid photographer and enjoy working with negatives and transparencies. I find cyanotype offers endless artistic possibilities and allows me to stretch my creativity and imagination. I use many surfaces to work on from watercolour paper, natural fabrics, music sheets to local maps, pebbles and driftwood. I particularly enjoy working outdoors, where the sun and water play an active role in the creation of my work. These elements bring me closer to the natural world and infuse my art with a sense of harmony and wonder.”

Alongside creating her artwork, Nathalie is an art and design teacher at Olchfa school and delivers workshops at the Swansea Print Workshop, sharing her passion and techniques with others.

Her cyanotype journey and experience is shared on Instagram; @natstoneart

About the Studio

There are some facilities for making a hot drink, microwave if you would like to bring along your lunch.

We are close to the main shopping centre and supermarket.

Parking is free all day outside the studio on Sundays. 3 hour parking is available outside of the controlled city centre zone. There are also multiple long stay car parks in the town centre.

 

PLEASE NOTE | If you are not a member and are considering more workshops with us, you might like to consider joining as an ordinary member for £25 and enjoy considerable savings on further workshops. Once you have joined you can book in straightaway at the reduced rate. For this one-day workshop you will pay £80 instead of £90. Additionally you will be able to use the workshop on open access sessions to pursue work independently.