Deep Time

Deep Time #I, Individual Cyanotype Chemicals and Salt on Paper

Back to pushing boundaries and seeing what could be achieved with experimental cyanotypes. In this series of pieces I wanted to try and establish how much control, if any, could be used to create an interesting abstract image.

Again as in previous efforts only the two individual chemicals, a few small sprays of tap water, salt and cling film were used. They were then placed in the daylight until I felt they had been sufficiently exposed and then removed to my studio were they were placed out of direct light and left overnight.

The following morning, and it’s always with some trepidation, I re-entered my studio to remove the cling film and to see how things were progressing. It appears to be normal, on such occasions, to find that the paper is not completely dry and as such the process is not entirely complete — subtle changes may continue to occur. In fact, as the process is unwashed to preserve the presence of the salt crystals there is a possibility using this method could result in artworks that continue to change and develop over time.

Deep Time #II, Individual Cyanotype Chemicals and Salt on Paper

Deep Time #III, Individual Cyanotype Chemicals and Salt on Paper

Deep Time #IV, Individual Cyanotype Chemicals and Salt on Paper

Deep Time #V, Individual Cyanotype Chemicals and Salt on Paper

The idea that these images could continue to change and develop in different directions is an intriguing one, but only time will tell. Of course if the changes are subtle they could go unnoticed. It’s also worth considering as to whether any changes, no matter how subtle, would have a detrimental effect on these pieces of art.