« All Events

Intro to (Botanical) Cyanotype Photography with Tonya Lemos

May 15 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

< Back to Workshops

Wednesday and Thursday, May 15 and 16, 9:30am-12:30pm

2 sessions |  $165 for members, $185 for non-members*

PLUS optional add-on for more advanced learning! Please see the following workshop listing.

Register

The cyanotype process, also known as the blueprint process because of its deep Prussian blue color, was invented and named by Sir John Herschel in 1842 and is one of the oldest photographic processes.

It was popularized by Anna Atkins who became the first person to produce and photographically illustrate a book using cyanotype printing. During this hands-on workshop we will delve into the history of the method and learn how we can adapt it to home printing.

Cyanotype is one of the easiest photographic printing techniques you can do at home without expensive equipment or a photography darkroom. We will work with the sun as our UV light source, and the sun and weather at the time will determine the intensity and sort of cyanotype prints we produce. The chemicals needed are easy to find and inexpensive (because there are no precious metals involved). 

During this workshop participants will make dry and wet cyanotypes from found plant material, as well as playing with suds and kitchen spices to create more texture, dimension, and abstract interest. We will also discuss and experiment with bleaching, toning and staining cyanotypes.

This class would be great for any creatives and/ or plant lover who wants to jump into the world of alternative photographic printing techniques. Also recommended for photographers who want to spice up their practice. Everyone will make original prints to take home and leave with enough information to continue the practice at home. 

All levels are welcome. 

*All materials included in the price of the workshop.

ABOUT THE TEACHING ARTIST

Tony(a) Lemos is currently the Director of Blazing Star Herbal School in Conway, MA. Since 2000, she has been offering a year long apprenticeship in both Herbal Studies and Botanical Art. Blazing Star also offers popular classes in ceremonial plant work, EcoPrinting, Alternative Photography Methods and plant immersions. 

In addition, Tony(a) is a well-known lecturer on current herbal medicine topics, a published writer, community herbalist, ecological activist, artist and beloved mentor. Her artwork explores symbolism from her ancestry (Greek/Middle East) and her present sense of place on Pocumtuc/Nipmuc territory, also known as Western Massachusetts, with a heavy focus on Flora. 

Her media forms include eco-printing, relief printing and alternative photography methods, often combining mixed media and found objects. She is also committed to supporting women and non-binary artists, especially those working at the intersection of art and botany. Her most recent solo show, Local Wonder, presented at The Common Folk Gallery in North Adams, was an ode to Rachel Carson. 

Website: tonyalemosarts.com

Instagram: @tonyalemosarts, @365artlog