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"Large Scale Cyanotypes" - by the Redwood Room

Item Number: 303

Estimated Value: Priceless

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Item Description

Redwood Room (Caitlin and Wendy's Lower Elementary Class)

"Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create." - Maria Montessori

Students learned in class about Anna Atkins and the cyanotype process she used for documenting botanical specimens. On a cultural front there is renewed interest in the beautiful work of Ms. Atkins, as well as the fact that she is considered the first person to ever publish a book of photographic images, which she did in 1843. Cyanotypes were one of the earliest photographic processes and involve coating paper with light sensitive chemicals, placing objects on top of the paper, exposing the paper to sunlight, and then processing the resulting print in water, thereby transforming the image to a permanently vibrant blue. While engaging in the cyanotype process Redwood students were both artists and scientists, trying out this hands-on mode of image making individually on a small scale and then working in three collaborative teams to create large 18” by 24” prints, which are matted and displayed in 22” by 28” natural wood frames. The groups followed three different themes: Classroom Materials, Botanical Specimens, and Food. Each team took care to work together on every step of the project, including selecting materials, creating visually strong compositions, exposing their creations to sunlight, and processing the prints in water. New discoveries were made by the young artists/scientists, such as that acid from citrus fruit created new colors in the food themed print. Redwood students were delighted by the magical experience of seeing their images chemically transform. We hope that you will enjoy their beautiful works of art!