Bonnie Baker
AUGUST 6-7, 2022
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
For Novice to Experienced
Course Fee: $ 200
Materials Fee: $35 payable on first day
About the Instructor
Bonnie is a practicing artist living in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. In addition to drawing, printmaking and onsite installations, she is known for her earlier work in textile. The dynamics of experimenting, building on the unexpected, and pursuing increasingly sophisticated compositions drives her practice. Bonnie brings a similar philosophy to her teaching, encouraging students to push themselves through their work and take it to the next level.
A founding member of a not for profit printmaking studio located in a small rural community, Bonnie believes community engagement, and teaching is integral to creative growth. Her work is included in private and public collections in Canada, US and Europe, including Nova Scotia Art Bank and published in UK. She was received an Established Artist Recognition Award from ARTS NS and is currently a mentor for the VANS Mentorship Program.
Contact info:
blbaker13@gmail.com
https://bonniebakerstudio.com/
Instagram: @enoughbakers
Course Description
In 19th century, some of the earliest photographic images were created using nothing more than sunlight, an iron salts mixture and water using a technique called Cyanotype (named after its deep indigo colour). It didn’t take long for photographers and visual artists as well as architects and biologists to adopt the process, and the work that’s been produced over the decades is nothing short of amazing and inspirational. Also known as blueprinting or sun printing, the Cyanotype technique is still a fast, direct and intriguing way of making images onsite without needing on a camera, phone, darkroom or press.
Over two days, participants will create a series of permanent Cyanotype prints on paper or cloth with locally sourced plants, 3D objects, translucent materials and drawings on acetate that brings to light a theme of their choice. Since this technique can be worked into any realm of mixed media, we will look at combining cyanotypes with collage, drawing,and any form of painting.
If time permits, we will explore manipulating the typical blue colour of the prints to shades of greens, golds, and blackish brown by bleaching and toning with washing soda, tea or coffee.
Course Details
Day 1:
Morning
• We will learn how to mix the photosensitive solution in their kits, and how to prepare paper surfaces.
• While the prepared paper dries, Bonnie will demonstrate the next steps of exposing and developing a print.
• Participants will begin gather and arrange plants, 3D objects, or translucent materials into designs for their prints.
Afternoon
• We will expose the prepared papers with materials to the sun before final processing in tap water.
• We will move on to more advanced techniques such as step timing the exposures, multiple exposures and layering to create depth in image.
• We will also play with making stencils for adding text, drawings or inserting photographic based images.
Day 2:
Morning
• Bonnie will demonstrate bleaching and toning
• We edit the images made on Day 1 looking at what makes a good cyanotype image, and what elements tie a series together before exploring ways to alter the processed image thru bleaching, and toning.
Afternoon
• Participants can continue to prepare paper to take home
• work at making prints exploring any of the techniques shown
• bleach/tone their prints from previous day
By end of workshop, you will have a solid understanding of the process and number of small Cyanotype stand alone images or that can be incorporated into your own art making. You will have enough leftover solution to take home for creating your own adventures in Cyanotypes.
Scroll beyond the image below to learn which supplies are included and which you’ll need to bring with you.
Supplies to bring
• Face mask (Dust style is suitable)
• gloves ( latex or non latex are better than yellow kitchen rubber gloves)
• Apron or old shirt (Dress for mess. Cyanotype solution will stain clothing)
• 2 rolls Paper towel
• Black Heavy Duty Garbage bags for storing unexposed papers. Contractor kind is best or double up on regular weight Black. Green bags do not work well.
• Sketchbook or notepad
• scissors, ruler, pencils, eraser
• lace, netting, feathers, tissue paper,
Optional
• Art Paper 100% (must be strong enough for repeated submersion in water) 7 sheets of 8”x10” paper will be supplied but you may wish to bring more or coloured
fabric for coating. 100% cotton or silk. Polyester or blends do not work.
Supplies provided:
• Jacquard Sensitizer Cyanotype Set for making approximately 65 8" × 10" prints on paper, or 40 8" × 10" prints on fabric,
• 7 sheets of 8”x10” paper (variety)
• 1 sheet acetate
COVID- 19 Notice
Should our country still be gripped with COVID-19, Art Lab will only persist in offering our calendar of courses as common sense and regulatory recommendations dictate. If courses must be cancelled registrations will be refunded in full. The personal security of students and instructors is paramount.
HOW TO REGISTER WITH ART LAB
Contact Art Lab to ensure there is still room in the course. If there is a space in the course for you, we will ask you for payment via e-transfer or cash. If you would like to pay via credit card, please note there is an additional 4% transaction fee. Please indicate if you would like to pay by cheque and we will do our best to accommodate.
To keep up to date with Art Lab’s wonderful course offerings, exhibitions, studio additions, creative opportunities and all things artful, click here to sign up and receive their email updates.
Cancellation PolicyIf for any reason the participant wishes to cancel prior to two weeks before the commencement of the course, the full fee minus a 10% service fee will be refunded. Please note that there will be no refunds if the participant cancels within two weeks of the commencement of the course.