week one
The first week, I focused mostly on using objects to create my prints + experimenting with a bunch of different kinds of paper. Ultimately, I decided on Strathmore Acrylic paper because it retained the pigment so! well! and it has a good amount of thickness to it which I really appreciate. For my objects, I used flowers and plants pressed by my mom and a pair of siren underwear.
week one was more like a furious dash + adrenaline boost of creation. I wasn’t super duper focused on my skill or fine details, I was just happy to be there LOL.
week two
I used the rest of my acrylic paper for these prints and instead of using objects I printed negatives onto translucent paper and developed all my prints that way. So amazing. I was extremely satisfied with the results (i did have a few come out meh and one was EXTREMELY underdeveloped-- but overall I was super happy) and somehow I feel like using photo negatives gives me more creative control? not entirely sure how though. All the photos came out with this lovely lovely grain. I don’t know exactly what caused it, but I can’t live without it.
For my negatives I used: a still from a Solange music video, the icon photo of Yoko Ono and John Lennon by Annie Leibowitz, a photo of my lady, and various pictures of siren basics underwear (some of me modeling + some not).
Since I used all my paper, I’ve decided to take a bit of a risk and buy Strathmore Watercolor paper (not that much of a risk most use watercolor paper but I’ve gotten so used to the acrylic).
week two was much better: I was enjoying the process and I knew that pretty much everytime I was going to be able to produce something that would look good. a great feeling.
week three
One thing that I’m really looking forward to this week is filming the process, getting some detail in my prints, and trying out this new paper. spoiler alert: it was hard to adjust. something that made it even harder was that i completely forgot to print NEGATIVES. I was using the regular images. I got about halfway until I realized and decided to stop for the day.
week 3.5
success success success!!!! I printed negatives this time <33333 and was able to complete my solange series which i started during week 2. I also experimented with some fabric pieces which was interesting... I’m not so sure that I’m in love with the fabric results but I do really appreciate the learning experience.
overal week 3 was a testament to how much I’ve learned so far + made me feel (relatively) confident in my skills.
𖦹
Solange series-- stills from the Almeda music video
my other fav cyanotypes:
some old forums that I found SUPER helpful:
https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/anthotype-questions.31809/
https://www.alternativephotography.com/anthotype-emulsion-database/