Cyanotypes on Wood and Travel Flower Press

OVERVIEW:

This workshop is a follow-on from Short & Few’s ‘Intro to Cyanotypes’ workshops, where we will take the process one step further and explore how the process works on wood. We will look at how the chemical reacts to the grains and oils of different pieces of wood, and make a collection of display pieces as well as a travel flower press.

WHAT YOU'LL DO/MAKE/TAKE AWAY:

After a quick re-cap of the cyanotype process, we will look at examples of what you will make before you dive in and get making. The cyanotype chemical responds differently to each individual piece of wood, creating unique pieces that carry more subtleties in the brightness of the blue and the clarity of the image. We will work with botanicals and pressed flowers (direct contact objects create more pronounced images), but you are encouraged to bring your own items and objects along to experiment with (e.g. paper cuttings, lace fabrics). Because this workshop is a follow-on you will be able to work more freely with your designs and you are welcome to come with ideas you would like to try out.

You will make a range of wooden items including: a set of round coasters; a large tree trunk slice; a large square board; fabric and large embroidery hoop; and four 10cm x 15cm pieces. We will end the workshop transforming our smaller boards into a travel flower press, complete with blotting paper sheets, silicone bands and display box. You will also have the option to handstamp initials or a message into the boards.

SUITABLE FOR IMPROVERS:

This workshop is for those who have done cyanotypes on paper before, are comfortable with the process and would like to see how different materials can be used. You will be making board-based pieces that can be worked into, so it is suitable for artists (e.g. painters) looking to extend their practice.

Cyanotypes is a very accessible process, and this workshop is suitable for all ages, abilities and interests. Under 18s or vulnerable adults are to be accompanied by a fully-paying responsible adult.

*PLEASE NOTE: THIS WORKSHOP NEEDS A MINIMUM CLASS SIZE OF 5 PEOPLE TO GO AHEAD. IN THE EVENT WE DO NOT REACH THAT BOOKING NUMBER, WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH AS MUCH NOTICE AS POSSIBLE OF CANCELLATION AND TICKET REFUND.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

This workshop is delivered by Zoe Platt, founder of Short & Few, artist educator and graphics practitioner. Her education and training background is in graphic design and typography, and over time her practice has become more process-driven, with a hands-on and analogue approach to image-making. With over a decade of teaching experience in college-level art and design, as well as TEFL for summer camps (and a stint in China!), her approach to teaching and doing creative things taps in to a broad range of subjects, including sculpture, surface pattern, photography and creative writing. She is at her best when she is teaching and doing creative things - whether this is making books or prints, or working with others and supporting them to find their best creative selves.

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