Moonlight Bamboo Diptych (Two original 18 x 24" botanical cyanotype on paper, 18 x 48 " combined)

(combined: 18 x 48 inches/ 45 x 120 cm)

These are TWO 24 x 18 inch cyanotypes which are each unique hand-printed monoprints. If you were to mat and frame each print separately and horizontally in a 24 x 30 inch frame, they would span more than 60 inches across the wall. (With a gap, over 5 feet or 150 cm.)

Cyanotypes are a kind of 19th century alternative (cameraless) photographic process. While traditional cyanotypes are a navy blue background with sharp white silhouettes, I prefer to manipulate the process to achieve varying softer shades of blue instead, rather like aquatint etchings.

These are double exposure cyanotypes. The different shades of blue are created by exposing some parts of the light-sensitive paper to sunlight longer than others.

My layering and monochromatic multi-tone technique is inspired by different kinds of printmaking that I have practiced in the past, especially multiple-plate block prints and aquatints. There is no printing press, no ink, no etched copper plate nor carved wood block to be able to reproduce these images. Each is a unique monotype made using real plants from my own garden.