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EMILY JEFFORDS
CYANOTYPE ART
In this workshop, we are exploring the chemistry of blueprints and the power of the sun with artist Emily Jeffords. Emily shares with us the process of cyanotype with a step-by-step guide on how she creates beautiful pieces of art using foliage and found objects. Utilizing a mixture of chemicals, the action of light and a mastery of techniques, let’s explore the process of creating inspiring silhouettes!
This workshop includes Emily's technique in a video tutorial and an accompanying box of tools and materials (including Emily's preferred thick cotton paper, the tools & chemicals to process cyanotype art (through a small business collaboration with a US-based photo studio), and a classic white wooden frame to show off your favorite piece (also in partnership with a small mom & pop shop we're excited to support).
Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that dates back to the mid-1800s that was frequently used by engineers as an effective process to produce copies of drawings (or blueprints). The process uses two chemicals: ammonium ferric citrate and potassium ferricyanide. In this workshop we are using hot pressed watercolor paper that is sturdy enough to withstand a coating of these chemicals (frequenlty referred to as Chemical A + Chemical B) as well as a water bath before the finished print is produced.
Emily lives in Greenville, South Carolina with her husband and two daughters, and works out of an 1890’s white-washed studio called the White Whale. She most frequently works with oil on canvas and is best known for her abstract, impressionistic landscape paintings as well as her delicate cyanotype collages. “Painting brings me so much peace and gives me time to meditate on the beauty in the world and the grace I feel while living in it. My highest goal is to convey that same peace and grace to the viewer. I create art to satisfy a need deep in my soul to create, to use my hands to say, with color and form, something that my words cannot." Visit her website and her Instagram page to learn more.
We look forward to seeing what beautiful shapes inspire you and what finished works of art you create using the process of cyanotype. Happy creative making!
A Few Special Notes About Your Project Kit (these are helpful & important):
- Our first tip is to watch the video all the way through from start to finish before starting your project. You'll familiarize yourself with the process and you'll have an opportunity to set yourself up for success.
- Extra materials you'll need on hand include a plastic bucket large enough for your paper and an outdoor hose for rinsing.
- We've included several important inserts in your box including tips on creating a home dark room, this is an important step to prepare for in advance as well. Keep in mind Emily demonstrates application of chemical on paper in our lit video space BUT you'll actually be completing this step in your home dark room.
- Trim your paper first. We're sending paper in standard cut sizes but they're not yet sized for your frame (this way you can create a torn edge, create multiple small pieces from one large piece, etc). We purposefully did not send along a cut mat so that you can instead layer your favorite cyanotype (in the size of your choosing) on top of the whole mat sent in each frame.
- Layer, layer layer! For a truly contrasting piece where your silhouettes pop, apply multiple layers of brushed on chemicals to your paper.
- The sun plays a key role, be sure to keep in mind the direction of the sun when you're ready to begin (taking advantage of the brightest part of the day will offer best results).
- Though we recommend rinsing your exposed cyanotype outdoors, if you don't have access to an outdoor space or hose you can rinse your artwork inside in a large sink or bathtub if needed.
- We've sent along two weights of paper - we recommend starting with the 140lb (lighter weight) to get the hang of this process before moving on to the 300lb (heavier) paper for your best work. Both though will create beautiful finished pieces for framing!
More About Our Artist: Emily Jeffords
Emily lives in Greenville, South Carolina with her husband and two daughters, and works out of an 1890’s white-washed studio called the White Whale. She most frequently works with oil on canvas and is best known for her abstract, impressionistic landscape paintings as well as her delicate cyanotype collages. “Painting brings me so much peace and gives me time to meditate on the beauty in the world and the grace I feel while living in it. My highest goal is to convey that same peace and grace to the viewer. I create art to satisfy a need deep in my soul to create, to use my hands to say, with color and form, something that my words cannot."
We look forward to seeing what beautiful shapes inspire you and what finished works of art you create using the process of cyanotype. Happy creative making!
Emily Jeffords'
Podcast Interview
by 