Photographic printing is a traditional process of creating images by exposing light-sensitive materials to light through a negative and developing them using chemical or natural baths. The development process reveals and stabilizes the image, producing a physical print with rich tones and details.
Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a characteristic cyan-blue print. It was invented by Sir John Herschel in 1842 and is one of the oldest non-silver photographic printing processes. Cyanotype prints are known for their distinctively blue color and have been used by artists and photographers to create unique and striking images.
The process involves placing objects, such as leaves or negatives, on paper coated with the solution and then exposing it to UV light (sunlight works well). The areas exposed to light turn a characteristic blue, while the covered areas remain white, creating a detailed print. After exposure, the paper is rinsed in water to stop the chemical reaction and reveal the final image. The result is a striking blue-and-white print, often used for botanical prints or photographic images.
In this process, bio-materials like leaves and twigs were used for cyanotype photoprinting. The objects were placed on light-sensitive paper, exposed to sunlight, and then rinsed in water. The exposed areas turned blue, while the covered areas remained white, creating detailed impressions of the natural materials.
In this process, a negative photo was used to create a positive print using the cyanotype technique. The negative was placed on canvas, which absorbed the chemical better than fabric, resulting in a more prominent effect.
Anthotype
Anthotype is a photographic printing process that uses plant-based pigments to create light-sensitive emulsions for making images. The process involves extracting pigments from plants, flowers, or spices and mixing them with water or alcohol to create a solution. This emulsion is then applied to paper, which is left to dry in the dark. After the paper is dry, an image, such as a negative or objects like leaves, is placed on the paper, and it is exposed to sunlight. The UV light causes the pigment to degrade, creating a color change that forms the image. After exposure, the paper is washed in water to reveal the print, with the final image being a unique, organic-toned result.
The turmeric and vodka printing method is a variation of the anthotype process, where turmeric, a plant-based pigment, is mixed with vodka to create a light-sensitive emulsion. The turmeric solution is then applied to paper and left to dry in a dark place. Once dry, an image or negative is placed on the coated paper, and it is exposed to sunlight. The UV light causes the turmeric pigment to change color, leaving a faint print or silhouette of the image on the paper. After exposure, the paper is washed in water to stop the reaction, revealing the final print with a warm, yellowish tone.
Beetroot printing is a natural dyeing and printing technique that uses beetroot juice to create vibrant, earthy tones on fabric or paper. The process involves extracting the juice from fresh beets and applying it directly to the material. The beetroot juice serves as a natural pigment, leaving a rich, pink to deep red stain on the fabric. The print can be enhanced by using resist techniques or applying heat to create different textures. After the dye is applied, the fabric is often left to dry, and the color can be set using a mordant, or by steaming, to make the print more permanent. Beetroot printing creates beautiful, organic, and eco-friendly designs.
Garment with cyanotype print
