Welcome to Hazleton Art- Botanical Cyanotype Photograms, handmade in Hampshire.

Cyanotype is a camera-less photographic technique, that produces a distinct ‘Prussian Blue’ colour print (Photogram) The process was discovered in 1842 by Sir John Herschel, as a means for reproducing drawings and diagrams (Blueprints). Botanist Anna Atkins in the late 19th century was the first to document seaweed and plants using this technique.

Irene

Botanical Cyanotype Photograms, handmade in Hampshire.

A little about me and my art...

I am Irene, a Cyanotype artist living in Hampshire. Over the past couple of years, I have been using my passion for Cyanotype to celebrate nature's beauty. Inspired by my garden, allotment, and countryside walks, I create Botanical Cyanotype Photograms. I find looking for leaves, flowers, and beach flora for my art, joyous and uplifting, just being outside nourishes the soul.
I love creating visually captivating original artwork, a great way to bring contemporary colour and style into a home or office space, so it can be enjoyed with friends, family, or colleagues every day.

Cyanotype and Prussian Blue
Cyanotype is a camera-less photographic technique that produces a distinct ‘Prussian Blue’ colour print (Photogram) The process was discovered in 1842 by Sir John Herschel, as a means for reproducing drawings and diagrams (blueprints). Botanist Anna Atkins in the late 19th century was the first to document seaweed and plants using this technique.

I apply a light-sensitive solution to quality watercolour paper, arrange the chosen botanicals on top of the paper, then expose it to sunlight. The paper is then rinsed in cold water, so fixing it, resulting in a white image of the subject on a wonderful Prussian Blue background. I find it entrancing that firstly the sun’s energy gives life to the plants I use for my art, then captures their beauty again in the Cyanotype process- just magical.
In Traditional Cyanotype, the clean lines and contrast of Prussian Blue against the ‘paper white’ can make a dramatic statement, by introducing a touch of moisture and ingredients such as turmeric, salt, and soap bubbles into the printing process, subtle shades of grey, lighter blues, yellows and browns can be created, turning the ‘drama’ into a warmer story, this technique has become known as ‘Wet’ Cyanotype.

Each photogram is handmade, unique and a one-off original with no digital copies or Giclee prints made. They are all named, dated, signed on the reverse, and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
The botanicals used and their display, weather conditions, exposure time, the paper type and the light-sensitive solution all affect the shades of blue, imperfections, and final details, making this a truly original technique, no two photograms are ever the same.

I love being creative and have usually a project or two on the go. Besides art, I enjoy sewing, especially Japanese Sashiko and Boro patchwork, home décor, (I have a ‘thing’ for collecting wallpaper samples, ask my husband!) and love my garden and allotment. To relax there is nothing nicer than spending time with family and friends or a crime novel and a glass of red.

Irene

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