FUN FOR ALL AGES
Light Reactions: A Hands-on Introduction to the Cyanotype Blueprint Led by Artist Justin Banger
June 26, 2014
Participants will learn the historical photographic process that gave the architectural “blueprint” its name by creating unique works of art using sunlight, a chemical reaction, and water. Invented in 1842, it is one of the very first photographic processes. The chemicals used for cyanotypes react to sunlight and turn a distinctive hue of blue – this is where we get the term for architectural “blue prints,” which were originally made via this process. For this program, each participant will make their own cyanotype photogram by selecting objects such as leaves, flowers, cassettes, etc., placing them on the photosensitive paper to block the light, and exposing them to sunlight (or in case of a cloudy/rainy day, a UV lamp). The image is then fixed to the paper with running water.
Justin Banger is a Birmingham, Alabama-based printmaker and artist. With a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Montevallo and a Masters of Library Science from the University of Alabama, Justin's artwork explores early print technologies that allow images and information to be shared and consumed.
This program is part of Birmingham Public Library's Adult Summer Reading.