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WORKSHOP // Cyanotypes: Printing with Nature

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Whether you have an interest in photography-related media or unique artistic processes, learn how to create one-of-a-kind cyanotype prints combining printing, photographic (light) processes, and nature.

WORKSHOP INFO

Join visual artist and educator Emily Rose Michaud for an afternoon of hands-on cyanotype creation and experimentation.

Cyanotype, also known as blueprint or sunprint, is a photographic print distinguished by its cyan blue colour. These prints are made by treating a surface (paper, textile, leather) with iron salts that react to UV light or sunlight.

In this workshop, you’ll learn the basic principles and techniques for creating cyanotypes prints, from working with photosensitive mediums to developing and drying prints, as well as experimenting with different objects, surfaces and treatments such as lemon, salt and soap bubbles as we make our own mini prints. You’ll take away multiple one-of-a-kind cyanotypes.

If the weather is right, we’ll host part of the workshop in the Arts Court courtyard and tap into the power of the sun to create our imagery.

All materials are included in the workshop fee, but participants are welcome to bring personal objects to create their image/print. Objects must be able to sit flat on the surface of the paper and can include chains, leaves, feathers, flowers, keys, paper cut outs, etc.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

  • Pen/pencil

  • Note books

  • Small paper or textile of your choice for tests under the UV light (3” x 3”)

  • All other materials will be provided.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Ideal for any level: beginners, those who want a refresher, or creatives from photographers to visual artists who would like to add a new skill to their current skill set.

No experience is necessary and all levels of creativity are welcome. Ages 15+. The workshop will be offered in English, and loose translation into French will be available upon request.

WORKSHOP FACILITATOR

Emily Rose Michaud is an interdisciplinary artist and educator working at the crossroads of community organization, ecology and civic participation.

"I came across a book of cyanotypes by Anna Atkins in 2016 and have been exploring the medium since. Botanical specimens find their way into my work on-site throughout the year. I have always experimented materially, so I love the surprises that make their way into the prints.”

Emily’s art practice spans painting, drawing, ceramic, sculptural installations, land-based art, writing and imagining a new world into being. She uses art broadly to connect people to place. She finds ground and infinite inspiration in the surrounding landscape of her home region of the Outaouais and in the last 10 years has spent countless hours along the Kichi Sibi (Ottawa) River and its tributaries, compiling a vast body of work on the ecosystem and local watershed. She explores and creates outdoors, year round and many of her artworks are made on-site with foraged materials from the local landscape, in relation to what is around her, as the seasons progress.

In her education work, she specializes in art + nature projects and murals with youth and is a persistent advocate to make cultural programming more present in schools and society. For over 20 years, she’s offered visual art workshops in and out of the institution, as well as worked with youngsters, teens, adults and seniors in all media, for leisure, as emotional outlet, education, and portfolio development.

A documentary about her practice can be seen here.

WORKSHOP FEE

To make this workshop as accessible as possible and to increase opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented in the arts, we're offering different options of participation fees. The amount you choose to pay goes to our facilitators and operating the space.

Option 1: $90 CAD

  • Access to the full in-person workshop.

  • Your own cyanotype prints on quality art paper.

  • Handout on cyanotype printing basics.

Option 2: $75 CAD (Equity -Deserving Group)

We are offering a reduced rate for 2 spots to those who self-identify as Indigenous, Black, Asian or racialized; or as a person with disabilities; or as two-spirit, transgender or gender non-conforming.

  • Access to the full in-person workshop.

  • Your own cyanotype prints on quality art paper.

  • Handout on cyanotype printing basics.


NEXT STEPS

  • After you register, you'll get an email confirming your payment and therefore your registration.

  • Look out for a second e-mail from us, approximately 3-5 days before the workshop, reminding you about the upcoming workshop + important preparation information (make sure to check your spam/junk folder). If you do not receive this second e-mail, don't hesitate to e-mail us indicating so.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

The use of a medical mask is strongly encouraged. Arts Court is a mask-friendly environment, and we ask everyone to respect each other’s decisions, comfort levels, and health needs.

ACCESSIBILITY

Possible Worlds is located on the main floor (one story above ground) of the Arts Court building. Wheelchair accessible entrances are located at at 67 Nicholas Street via SAW and 10 Daly Avenue via the Ottawa Art Gallery. The nearest elevator is located 30 metres from the 67 Nicholas Street entrance. All doors have accessibility buttons to press for automatic entry. Contact us to request more information about accessibility at our venue, or accommodations.

TERMS OF SERVICE AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Spots are non-refundable. By purchasing a spot or having someone purchase a spot for you, you also agree to our terms of service and cancellation policy.