Photogram: Experimentation of Cyanotypes

• Riley Whipple, Fine Arts, University of Delaware

• Jon Cox, Art & Design, University of Delaware

To further develop my creative expression as an artist, I immersed myself in researching the process of cyanotypes, a medium briefly introduced to me earlier in my college career, and expand upon my skills. Cyanotypes are one of the earliest methods of photography which served as the focus of my research this summer, ultimately leading me to me create photograms myself as a part of the process. Learning about the cyanotype’s history—from when it was seen merely as a process for copying to how it eventually became understood as a form of photography—deepened my understanding of the medium and how to working with it. I was intrugied by the British artist and botanist Anna Atkins, a pioneer in cyanotype use, who employed the technique in her work with various algae for scientific documentation and illustration of plants. I explored numerous artists such as yayoi kusama who utilize pattern and repetition, elements I often incorporate into my own work, to understand their methods thought processes. The subject of my work primarily focused on gingko leaves, drawing inspiration from Atkins and from the trees directly outside the art studio. My findings are comprised into a series of cyanotypes that emphasize the experimental nature of the medium. My intention was to manipulate forms and shapes while playing with the concept of repetition, I aimed to use elements from my environment and incoportae them into my work. The unpredictable nature of working with wet and traditional cyanotypes offered me with an ample amount of possibilities and discoveries.