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Arts & Communication Creativity and cyanotype: Camera-less photography

etc., to add shapes and textures to the piece. The extended process, through time, its environment, and the ideas that
time needed for cyanotype creation and the physical it develops.
interaction between the artist and the medium foster a Considering all the above-mentioned points, the
deeper connection between the creator and the artwork. camera-less chemical photography process enhances
In essence, cyanotype is a craft that involves their makers expressive possibilities through its tactile components,
in the creative process, allowing them to reflect on what requiring a more significant input from the photographer .
[9]
being an artist entails, which is also a natural and essential Thus, cyanotype is a photographic activity involving an
process of nurturing a photographer. active participation of the photographer when capturing an
Cyanotype offers the advantage of portability and can image, and opens up creative and expressive possibilities by
be implemented beyond traditional educational settings. It focusing solely on the photosensitive material in a camera-
does not require a dedicated laboratory or darkroom, and less fashion.
the chemicals used do not pose health risks . Thus, artists Incorporating cyanotype workshops into local
[6]
can practice cyanotype process in their own homes or art education is essential, as it teaches alternative
private studios. This process is not constrained by specific photographic production methods for artistic image
brands or manufacturers. Instead, each creator may choose creation. This technique can be integrated into professional
materials, surfaces, ways of applying the chemical on the art and design school programs. The proposed cyanotype
photosensitive surfaces, and decide on variations in the workshop is ideal for art training due to its low cost,
final image and crossover of different techniques as well as accessibility of chemical products, and low specialized
disciplines, based on their individual interests.
technical equipment requirements. In addition, cyanotype
The final results have endless possibilities and may processes offer training in various tools, as students have
include simple or complex art techniques. The language of to apply the prepared chemicals on different surfaces, such
cyanotype is celebrated with care, time, the materials used, as paper, glass, cloth, wood, and ceramics, among other
the manipulation of the final images and the experiences of media. The expressive part of the projects can be achieved
the creators, who generate an active interaction with their through the careful selection of the materials used in the
pieces and the environment where the pieces were created. printing of images.
For this reason, cyanotype provides a more complex art The workshop was divided into three sessions, with
experience than conventional photographic processes that
involve technological devices such as the camera. the main purpose of addressing the technique to create
cyanotype artwork from different perspectives. The aim
2.1. Photography without a camera: An alternative was to enrich their understanding of the medium, enabling
in contemporary art artists to internalize the photographic process and its artistic
language. The first session involved basic instructions on
Nowadays, other than being surrounded by an abundance cyanotype technique, emphasizing a hands-on approach
of images, we also actively engage in their creation . The without the use of film negatives. This was achieved
[7]
increased requirements in image production have driven through exercises with everyday materials, such as bottles,
the development of smart devices that streamline image plants, shadows, or the body of the participants.
creation through automation. These devices facilitate the
production and distribution of images, but greatly reduce During the second session, participants created
the expressive possibilities of this type of medium since the cyanotype pieces using transparencies, incorporating
act of taking photographs is framed by the device capable images from their personal photo albums as well as ink
of capturing and enhancing the images. The individual drawings. The students were able to discern the differences
[8]
taking the images becomes a passive observer to such in the same image printed on different photosensitive
an extent that it could be rationalized that the device is surfaces, and learn how these surfaces can help develop,
expressing itself and not the person who activates it. conceptually and esthetically, their own vision.
Nevertheless, a longer time is required in the cyanotype The last session focused on the exploration of non-
process. The process becomes more complex taking into traditional surfaces, and the goal was for the students to
consideration the composition, exposure, and development develop a broad overview of the media that can be used
of the image. It invites the artist to move away from photo- with this technique, as well as the different ways art pieces
automatic experiences, which can be derived with ease can be created with this process. The proposed class
using digital media. This manual proximity to the process schedule for the workshop is presented below:
means that the images produced with this technique tend 1. Introduction to the cyanotype process
to be immersive. The creator is fully involved in the creative 2. Cyanotype in contemporary art

Volume 1 Issue 2 (2023) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/ac.1453