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Have you heard the latest buzz about a unique photo printing process that creates blue-tinted cyanotype images? It is all the rage in the photography and art galleries. Cyanotypes are making waves both nationwide and in local cities like Indianapolis, showing signs of being the hottest trend around. Many art collectors seem to be drawn to the striking blue images of plants, architectural structures or objects such as keys or feathers. While it isn't always easy to find local sources to make or buy cyanotype prints, Indianapolis is lucky to have classes and art galleries for anyone who wants to buy or learn how to make cyanotype photos and prints. But first….

What are cyantotypes and why are they so popular?

Cyanotypes are not new but go back to the early days of photography. A cyanotype is created by using a monochromatic photographic printing process, either with special chemicals or with the aid of specific types of paper. Although Sir John Herschel is often credited with discovering or creating them, one popular photographer who also made cyanotypes was Anna Atkins. Interestingly, Atkins and Herschel lived relatively close to one another and their families were friends.

Examples of the work of Anna Atkins can be seen at the New York Public Library's Digital Gallery here: digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital_dev/index.cfmI (simply put Anna Atkins in the search box to see examples). Although the images of leaves, ferns and other items seem to be blue photographs, the process of creating a cyanotype is not exactly like shooting a photo. If you are a fan of blue images and artwork, you may be equally drawn to cyanotypes. Their rich tones are very appealing – plus they can be relatively easy to make.

Indianapolis artist, Ginny Taylor, explains why cyanotypes may be so popular

I recently spoke with a local Indianapolis artist, Ginny Taylor, a woman who both sells cyanotypes and also teaches students how to make them. She noted that people may be drawn to cyanotype prints because they can't be duplicated with a digital camera. She added that each cyanotype is unique, varying slightly due to the amount of light that hits special paper made for creating the blue color of each image.

A link to early photographic history and the ability to create one of a kind photographic images may also explain why this very unique photo printing process is hot right now. Even though cyanotypes aren't new, they are facing a resurgence for those drawn to older photos and photographic techniques that can't be duplicated with digital cameras. They also have a certain appeal to purists, those who never fell in love with digital photos. Others like to experiment with both types of creating images, traditional photography and cyanotype printing processes.

Versatility may be another key to the appeal of cyanotype prints. They can be created on both paper and fabric. This means they can be used as framed artwork or put on fabric and used in quilts, fabric art hangings or other types of art. Even children can learn how to create these wonderful portraits or prints, depending on the technique used.

Cyanotype prints – being shown in Indianapolis as well as in other galleries

Lake Street Galleries, located in Gary, Indiana, has featured a cyanotype show by artists Dan Novatowski and Judy Schlosser. The gallery's website can be seen here: lakestreetgallery.com/ and the striking blue prints by the artists focus on landscape and portraits. These artists may be adapting or changing the work they create later.

In Indianapolis, Ginny Taylor creates cyanotypes photographic prints and teaches students how to make them. She told me they aren't difficult to make, especially if aspiring artists start with specially coated paper first. She offers classes to both individual and groups of students. Even children can learn this technique but would need to contact the artist to find out about that possibility. Taylor's website is: http://www.stutzartists.com/artist and is being revamped so check back for updates. Her work can be seen at her studio or at the Stutz Art Gallery. She can also be contacted at ginnytaylorossner@hotmail.com.

The Indianapolis Art Center has also offered classes in cyanotype photos and prints. They can be contacted for further information on the possibility of creating your own unique artwork, perhaps for a Christmas or holiday gift or as a special present. The Indianapolis Art Center's website is: www.indplsartcenter.org
and their address is 820 E. 67th Street. Their phone number is (317) 255-2464.

Sources
Interview with Indianapolis cyanotype artist Ginny Taylor Rosner
Indianapolis Art Center: www.indplsartcenter.org
NYPL Digital Gallery online: digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital_dev/index.cfm
Lake Street Gallery: lakestreetgallery.com/dan.htm

I don't know you all but I find the canon concept technology great but the hardware horrid. First of all, I do not want a camera that looks like my wife's hairdryer. As good as the camera's lens is I am sure better ones are gonna come along so if I want a camera that doesn't let me change lenses then I get a point-and-shoot camera. If this is canon's point and shoot concept, I think is way too big. What about new lenses, filters, etc?? a touch strip for zooming? holy crap, is this for real? I expect software handled motorized zooming in a point and shoot. There is a reason why SLR's have manual zoom available. We like to control technology not the other way around. Regardless how good touch tech is getting I know my own fingers can get the picture I see in my head before I take it, can a touch strip and a motorized zoom do the same? I understand its just a concept but a good concept should show all possibilities a technology offers and frankly this camera doesn't offer much than good software. I believe cameras are a lot more than just good software. I already have a camera that offers burst shots and I definitely do not like fishing for the right shot. The other point I wanna make is that no matter how good technology gets photography and video are always going to be two separate worlds, even if they are present in the same device. I think it was great how the software really improved the facial recognition of the camera, but I am not sure about keeping focus on all parts of an image. I mean, I would like that when I am taking a picture I wanna crop later but what if you don't want to crop it. One signature feature of a true SLR camera is that you get that crispy clear portrait shot with the faded background , if the camera is always going to keep focus on everything that will be gone. The last two things to mention is what about shots in the dark, I didn't see the camera performing very good in low light conditions. I know CMOS lenses along with ISO adjustment can do a better night shot without the aid of a flash, but have you seen a video camera do the same at night?? I know I haven't. I haven't seen that even with expensive video cameras. GRAIN EVERYWHERE! but let's say the technology is much better and the grain video is gone. what do you do when you wanna “take a picture” with a flash. Is this thing gonna have enough battery to keep your video going in the dark for a while, and if it does you know how hot its going to get. I am sorry but just showing a concept with so many questions unanswered its almost offensive. I would've understood if canon was trying to present a new software concept for the camera of the future but this is not the case. That camera belongs in a sci-fi movie theater not in a graphic designer or photographer's desk.

For some, conceptual photography might not say much, but for me, the idea of conceptual is just the opposite. It is an open door to imagination, for free thinking and birth of ideas and concepts.

Matthias Heiderich has taken some really beautiful conceptual pictures of Berlin, and I find these really inspirational: the colors, the geometrical forms, they all tell us so much. Anyways, I hope you enjoy these, and for more of this amazing work, you may visit his portfolio. Cheers!

from: Mallories Weblog
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