Description
Sweet Triumph
Medium: Cyanotype with botanical relief
Dimensions: 20 x 16 inches
Crafted with Precision and Passion
I used the cyanotype process to create self-portrait photographs, transforming my original photographs by printing onto transparency sheets with the darks and lights reversed. The images are then exposed to sunlight or UV light, where the reaction between the UV rays and the cyanotype solution creates the hauntingly beautiful blue tones.
I then incorporated botanical relief pressings of florals, leaves, and vines that I plucked directly from my own garden and backyard. I inked the botanicals with gold ink and pressed strategically over the blue cyanotype self portraits. These elements not only complement the self-portrait but also celebrate the connection between myself and the organic world that surrounds me.
Each Piece is Unique
Each cyanotype is a one-of-a-kind artwork, with no edition prints made. The combination of hand-placed botanical elements and self-portraiture, paired with the cyanotype process, ensures that every piece is completely unique, with varying depth, texture, and shades of blue in each print. The process itself guarantees that no two prints will ever be alike, adding an extra layer of individuality and personal expression to each piece.
About the Series
What began as an experiment with cyanotype quickly evolved into a personal reflection on the many facets of femininity—finding strength in vulnerability, beauty in imperfection, and a profound connection to nature. The cyanotype process, paired with self-portraiture and botanical pressings, allowed me to explore these themes in depth.Through this work, I aim to honor both the radiance and contrasts of femininity, inviting viewers to embrace all the layers of who they are.
Love this piece? Explore more handcrafted prints in the collection.
What is Cyanotype?
Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a striking deep blue image. Invented in 1842, it uses a solution of ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide, which when exposed to UV light, undergoes a chemical reaction to create an image. The process is unique in its ability to create images with rich tones of blue, known as Prussian blue. To create cyanotypes, an object or negative (like a transparency sheet) is placed on specially treated paper and exposed to sunlight or UV light, which produces a tonal image. This traditional photographic technique creates one-of-a-kind pieces with no two prints ever exactly alike.
Add Sweet Triumph to Your Collection Today!
Whether you’re drawn to the surreal quality of reversed self-portraiture, the beauty of botanical elements, or the deep history and craftsmanship of cyanotype prints, this one-of-a-kind piece will be a stunning addition to your collection. It is an intimate exploration of self, nature, and the photographic process, blending modern self-expression with a timeless photographic technique.
