WELCOME
The cyanotype is one of the earliest forms of photographic printing dating back to the 1840's. It's beauty lays in the simplicity of using the sun and a chemical reaction to capture the magic of nature in a wonderfully brilliant blue.
Thank you for visiting my site and I hope you enjoy my work.
my story
Hello, and thank you for your support and interest in my work!
My journey as an artist began in Chicago, where I studied Fine Art and Photography at Columbia College and earned my BA.
From my youth in the city's vibrant urban environment, to raising a family in its western suburbs, to now residing in the serene beauty of Michigan, I've explored a wide range of mediums—from sculpting jewelry and hand-painting silks, to blending my passions for nature, painting, and photography through the art of cyanotype.
My creative process starts with a simple walk in nature. I gather plants and flowers—both the common and the overlooked—selecting them for their inherent beauty, shape, texture, and those universal qualities that resonate with us all. Once collected, I carefully compose each image. I aim to illuminate the simplicity of a daisy, to spark memories attached to Queen Anne's lace, to focus attraction on the timeless grace of an ancient fern. This medium allows me to preserve the essence of my explorations, the choices I've made, and the intricate details that reveal nature's enduring beauty.
As an artist, my hope is to share this beauty with you through the timeless art of the cyanotype.
Nature surrounds us everywhere. Pause for a moment, and truly take a look.
history
A dance with light and time...
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A cyanotype is a photographic printing process that captures a silhouette or image in a stunning Prussian blue and white. This camera-less contact-printing method uses UV-sensitive chemicals and sunlight to create a unique and ethereal "sun print". It is a striking blend of the precise science of chemistry with the serendipity of art and nature.
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Invented in 1842 by astronomer Sir John Herschel, the cyanotype was first used scientifically, notably by botanist Anna Atkins to create the first photographically illustrated book. Over time, artists embraced its simplicity and distinctive aesthetic, transforming a scientific tool into a cherished and accessible art form.
To create a cyanotype, an object or photographic negative is placed on paper or fabric coated with a light-sensitive iron salt solution and left to develop in the sun. This process is a dialogue with the natural world, as the intensity of the blue hue is dependent on the sun's strength and exposure time.
Where an object or silhouette blocks the light, the chemical reaction is halted, leaving behind a white impression. The final image is a ghost-like imprint, whether it is the delicate veins of a leaf, the intricate tendrils of seaweed, or a portrait made from a negative.
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