Zoë makes unique cyanotypes on paper and fabric and experiments with colour from plants on textiles, selling her work through local galleries, boutiques and craft markets and online.
Cyanotype printing was invented by an astronomer in 1842 and is a very early form of photography. Anna Atkins, a significant inspiration to me, was one of the pioneers of this technique and documented British botanical specimens making exquisite original books.
Cyanotype is a fast and unique way of recording an image. Paper or natural fabric is painted with light sensitive chemicals. An object or negative is placed on top of the pre-treated surface. Where the ultraviolet light falls, a chemical reaction occurs, when rinsed in water an image appears fixing the print and turning it blue.
Architects and engineers used to use this process to make quick copies of drawings, hence the term blueprint often associated with an initial design plan.
