Cyanotypes are created using a photographic process that results in the characteristic cyan blue prints.
Streetside Artscape:
Alyson Piskorowski / New Cyanotypes
Woolworth Window #2, 11th & Broadway
April 18 – July 18, 2019
Cyanotypes are created using a photographic process that results in the characteristic cyan blue prints. Prints can be produced in two ways, either using negatives or by creating photograms. Photograms are my preferred way of working and are a way of producing images without a camera by placing objects directly onto the light sensitive surface. The cyanotype, or blueprint process has a fascinating history. It is one of the earliest photography processes, discovered in 1942 by Sir John Hershel. The first book ever published using photographic imagery was by botanist Anna Atkins in 1943, titled British Algae; Cyanotype Impressions. As a result the medium may be most recognized when used for portraying botanical imagery. It was also used for years as a means of inexpensively reproducing architectural drawings.
As both a landscape architect and sculptor I was drawn to this medium because of its direct interaction with light. What I find most compelling about working with cyanotypes is that it allows me to layer and build three dimensional compositions that then get translated onto a two dimensional plane. The beauty of the process is that end result is always a surprise due to the somewhat unpredictable nature of this photographic medium. This, combined with the abstract nature of the imagery I use allow for each viewer to interpret the work as they choose.
See more of Alyson’s work at www.alypisko.com
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