This event has passed.

[FULL] Introduction to Cyanotype Photography: Botanical and Beyond with Tony(a) Lemos

May 10 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

< Back to Workshops

Wednesday & Thursday, May 10 & 11, 9:30am-12:30pm

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

This workshop is full, please email Ruby T if you’d like to be put on the waitlist: rubyt@paam.org

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 learn to work with the sun as our UV light source, and the sun and weather at the time will determine the intensity and type of cyanotype prints we produce. Participants will make both dry and wet cyanotypes from found plant material, as well as experiment with soap suds and kitchen spices. We will also discuss toning and staining cyanotypes. Participants will also learn how to reproduce a photo by printing from a negative using the cyanotype process.

Everyone will make their own original prints and leave with enough information to continue the practice at home. All levels welcome.

*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.

Instagram: @tonyalemosarts, @365artlog, Website: Blazing Star Herbal School website

Images: Tony(a) Lemos, From Petite Fleur Collection, 2022, botanical contact cyanotype 9 1/2 by 12 inches