Eternity (27 x 13 in. original abstract cyanotype on paper)

(27 x 13 in. original abstract cyanotype on paper)

This monoprint is longer than the three prints that make up the triptych of the same name. The curved shapes resemble endless clouds, mountains, dunes or waves.

Though these one-of -a-kind monoprints look like aquatint etchings or watercolor paintings, they are actually a form of photography called cyanotypes or sun prints. Instead of creating an image by blocking light with solid objects on the light-sensitive paper, I created the varying shades of blue by blocking sunlight with water, immersing the paper for carefully timed exposures again and again to form a pattern.

The results of this experimental technique come from a combination of manipulation such as bending the paper while immersing it, copious practice, note-taking and planning. There is no photo negative, no etched copper plate and no wooden block to reproduce the image. No two of my abstract cyanotypes are the same.