Blue. Print.
John and his wife Rachel created three prints using exotic palms then had them made into cyanotypes in India on hand made paper. Read about the history and process of making these cyanotypes below.
Cyanotype is a 170 year old photographic printing process that creates prints in an extraordinary blue. ‘Cyan’ comes from the Greek, meaning ‘dark blue’. The process was invented by Sir John Herschel, a scientist and astronomer, in 1842.
Step 1.
Mix Ammonium Ferric Citrate (25gm) and Potassium Ferrocyanide (15gm) in 100ml water each. Mix both the solutions very well.
Step 2.
Apply the coating evenly on the paper using a brush.
Step 3.
After coating, place the paper in a dark room for drying.
Step 4.
After drying, place the coated paper beneath the negative image of the design and sandwich them in a glass frame.
Step 5.
Place the glass frame in sunlight for exposing for about 18 - 20 minutes. After exposing, remove the paper from the frame and prepare for the wash.
Step 6.
Wash in water for 5-7 minutes, then wash in Hydrogen Peroxide solution for about 1 minute.
Step 7.
Final wash in water!
Step 8.
Step 11: Dry the paper in the shade.
