Art & Algae: Cyanotype Printing with Seaweed and Sunlight

Josie will introduce participants to cyanotype printing (an alternative photographic technique) using her vast collection of dried seaweed specimens as image-making material. Josie will introduce us to her work and how she became so entwined with the fascinating world of seaweed. You will be inspired by algae’s diverse biology and ecology, learn to identify a variety of green, red, and brown seaweed, and become more aware of the importance of a healthy intertidal zone and kelp forest—all while creating beautiful blue and white cyanotypes using the power of the sun. Known for its distinctive blueprint-like images, this simple, camera-less photographic technique is the same process used by pioneering, curious, and innovative botanist and photographer Anna Atkins (British, 1799-1871). Want to bring your own specimens to identify and print with? Please do! The end results are joyous and revelatory; while making art, participants have learned about an ocean ecology they haven’t thought much about before.

All coated paper and material supplied

4-5 pieces of art on fine art paper to take home

Capacity: 15