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Arts & Communication Creativity and cyanotype: Camera-less photography

developing low-cost artistic projects. The central objective main tool for the creation of pictures and projects. Thus,
of this endeavor is to organize workshops geared toward photography, both digital and chemical, is considered the
helping the emerging artists in exploring the use of principal way to produce images, which, however, omits
[2]
recycled materials in cyanotype, which is a camera-less the sensitive qualities of each photographic process . In
photographic creative process. addition, in monetary terms, the costly devices put an
Cyanotype stands as a compelling alternative to obstacle in the learning process, because, in the case of
traditional chemical photography, with its unique digital cameras, the initial required investment for quality
attributes spanning the realms of discourse, esthetics, equipment that allows for capturing and processing of
visuals, concepts, and materiality. Its distinctive qualities good images is high. Long-term usefulness must also be
a financial consideration when purchasing these tools. On
set it apart from digital imaging. Moreover, it shines as a the other hand, analog cameras are comparatively cheaper,
highly accessible technique, in stark contrast to the costly but the challenge lies in getting an inexpensive camera that
technical equipment typically required for traditional at the same time works in perfect order. In addition, film
photochemical production. This accessibility is crucial for and chemicals are required to develop the images, if analog
emerging artists who may not have access to a full-fledged camera is used. A more practical alternative is the use of
laboratory or the resources to maintain one. Cyanotype mobile devices, since the quality of cellphone cameras is
provides a low-cost, practical, and sustainable alternative constantly improving, and they are portable. However,
for producing images and fostering experimentation the price of a cellphone equipped with a competent
through the creative process. photographic system is usually high, even exceeding the
The workshop spanned 9 h and was conducted across cost of a beginner’s digital camera.
three cultural centers and two communities. It aimed to Technological advances have also spawned a
impart both theoretical and practical knowledge on the use simultaneous balkanization and homogenization of
of cyanotype. The workshop commences with an overview the photographic image . This is established by the
[3]
of contemporary works of art that employ this technique to manufacturers who, when seeking to generate images that
illustrate the various discursive possibilities it offers. distinguish their brand, delimit the type of photographs
Participants engaged in an independent hands-on that are produced with their equipment. In contrast,
learning process during the workshop, which helped alternative photographic processes recovered in the
nurture their interests by creating images. To facilitate 1970s due to the shortage of silver salts allow for a more
[4]
this, they began with fundamental exercises to gain a solid hands-on approach that includes the artists in every aspect
understanding of the technique and later progressed to of the work, physically and conceptually.
more complex image creation and personal expression. Cyanotype boasts features that make it an appealing
[5]
2. Cyanotype as a photographic activity choice both for educational and creative purposes . The
initial cost of chemical reagents is less than 5% of the
Whether analog or digital, camera is typically the first tool value of a digital camera, making it an attractive option for
that springs to our mind when the topic about pictures is students who wish to explore and produce art continually.
brought up. However, this device only helps to project an Unlike processes based on capturing and editing images,
image through light on a photosensitive surface . In other cyanotype’s language revolves around the act of preparing
[1]
word, the projected image must be fixed on photosensitive both the image and the surface where it is revealed. This
materials. Therefore, it is important to clarify that the allows artists to craft both the image and the surface,
camera is not an intrinsic element of photography since the resulting in a piece with a unique language. The expressive
photosensitive surface is the main part of the camera-aided and conceptual possibilities of cyanotype, both as a creative
photography process that directly involves in recording and process and an educational tool, make it a viable choice for
fixing images. Taking this into consideration, in addition to artists of all levels and a powerful resource for art educators
introducing a different medium for artistic expression, the in resource-limited communities offering recreational
approach to separating the artist from the device may spark courses.
new ideas about creative photography techniques, which Cyanotype, as a camera-less process, offers a more
obviate the need for specialized technical knowledge, or effective pedagogical approach to photography, covering
the initial investment in acquiring a camera. both technical and expressive aspects. It allows students to
Photography, in terms of technical and expressive work with tools such as paint brushes when applying the
explorations, has always focused on the use of a camera. The chemical on the surface to be used. It also encourages the
camera, whether analog or digital, has been considered the use of natural materials, for example, leaves, cloth, sand,

Volume 1 Issue 2 (2023) 2 https://doi.org/10.36922/ac.1453