Recent Experimental Cyanotype Pieces

So what is the difference between a traditional cyanotype and an experimental one?

The traditional cyanotype process involves the mixing together of the two chemical solutions in equal ratios, 1:1, and either the use of a negative to create the image or the placing of objects on the coated paper (photograms), once exposed to daylight for the requisite amount of time (this depends on the varying weather conditions) the cyanotypes are washed in water which halts any further reactions.

In the case of the experimental cyanotypes that I have been doing the chemicals are not mixed together to create a solution prior to its application to the paper. Instead I have been placing the chemicals individually onto the paper, allowing them to intermingle not unlike watercolours as well as using cling film and salt and observing the result. Like traditional cyanotypes these are also exposed to daylight, although because they are wet the exposure time can be considerably longer. Photographing any changes that occur over the time period is highly recommended as many of these results are transient. Once the desired result is obtain these cyanotypes are removed from the light source, but not washed. I usually place them into a room where the light is more subdued, at some point I will remove the cling film and allow the images to fully dry. Coming to the studio the following day can be both exciting and nerve wracking at the same time as you have know idea what you are going to find, sometimes there can have been amazing developments even just overnight, i.e. salt crystals may have grown over the surface of the paper creating something totally unexpected. So while there is some control in what happens or can happen there is also an element of chance in the outcome and that is what makes it so exciting.