Lesson plan based on a workshop by Dovile Dagiene, artist and Darius Ryliškis scientist
In the workshop participants learn to make Cyanotype prints. Cyanotype is a creative, simple and flexible photographic print process that produces a characteristic and beautiful blue image when coated sensitised paper is exposed to light. In connection to the creative process some scientific facts about water are discussed.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the cyanotype process in connection to water by creating their own cyanotype prints, while also developing skills related to scientific inquiry and artistic expression. The cyanotype process is quite simple. It is based on the fact that the two iron salts, ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide, become ultraviolet (UV) light sensitive when mixed together. For further information follow the complete guide to cyanotype printing
Understand cyanotype process, by learning about the cyanotype process, specifically how light-sensitive chemicals react when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light and how water plays a crucial role in developing the final image.
Acquire scientific inquiry skills, by practicing critical thinking and scientific inquiry, hypothesizing about the effects of UV light on cyanotype paper, making predictions about the outcome, and experimenting to test their hypotheses.
Achieve artistic expression, by exploring their creative side, arranging objects or creating designs on cyanotype paper, understanding that their choices will result in unique blue and white prints, showcasing their artistic expressions.
Understand water's role as a developer in the cyanotype process. Students will understand how water activates the chemicals on the paper, resulting in a visible image, and why proper rinsing and drying are essential steps in the process.
Gain hands-on experience, by preparing cyanotype paper, arranging objects or creating designs, exposing the paper to UV light, rinsing and drying their prints, and evaluating the results.
Lesson Plan
Explain the connection between water and carbon cycles
Prepare your work area before students enter the workspace.
You will need to work in subdued tungsten light away from sources of daylight/UV light because chemicals become photo sensitive once mixed. You may want to tape the paper down in one corner with masking tape to stop it from blowing away. Place newspaper/protective covering out on your chosen work area and some of the printing paper. Have trays with water for cleaning ready. Have a drying rack ready for the prints to dry.
Prepare the Cyanotype solution the children will use.
Students coat the surface of the paper. The ideal paper for cyanotype is thick and strong (it will have to withstand immersion in water), like that used for watercolours, but you can try out other types of paper to see how they affect the result. The solution must be applied either in the dark or under weak light with little ultraviolet content. It makes sense to coat several sheets at a time to give you lots to experiment with.
Allow to dry. Once covered in emulsion, the sheets will take around 30 minutes to dry.
Plan your cyanotype image. Gather materials to make the prints from this could be fresh or dried flat leaves, flowers, feathers, fabric etc or photographic negatives on acetate (digital or traditional) - a digital negative of a flower is provided for you in the kit. 3D objects can be used but are more likely to produce simple silhouettes where they come into contact with the paper.
You could gather materials on a walk with the students. You could also ask them to bring plants from their own garden or simply provide them with diverse plants.
You can also print out images on transparent film and make exposure through. For a good result it is important to have strong contrast in a black and white negative film. Everything that is black on the film will become white in the print.
Arrange your objects on your cyanotype surface. You can also experiment with wet cyanotype adding for example soap bubbles and household chemicals like vinager and turmeric to the paper after coating.
Expose your cyanotype to the sun It is good to use a glass plate and clamps so make sure nothing moves while exposing. Experiment with different times and materials. You can try to do double exposure leaving some of the plants for longer time on the paper. During the exposure, the paper quickly turns from yellowish green to the characteristic blue colour and then proceeds to fade to almost grey indicating that the exposure is complete. This process only takes a short time ranging from 2 to 15 minutes depending on the strength of the UV light source. Clouds filter out UV light, so sunlight exposures are best made on bright, sunny days. You can also experiment with UV lamps on a rainy day.
Wash out. After exposing you rinse the paper in water to remove any excess chemicals. You should rins it for about 5 minutes and be careful because when whet the paper becomes delicate.
Dry. Blot the prints to remove excess water and dry ideally outdoors. If the paper starts to curl it can be flattened under books overnight after drying.
